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US, Britain, Australia update travel warnings after Aluthgama riots
View(s):The US, Britain and Australia have updated their travel advisories following the Aluthgama riots.
“There were violent disturbances in Aluthgama (near Bentota) and Beruwala (about 60 km south of Colombo) in mid June, which resulted in four reported deaths and many injuries, as well as damage to buildings and local businesses. Both areas are near to tourist resorts on the coast,” the British travel advisory stated.
It said that there have been isolated incidents and disturbances elsewhere around the country, and advised its nationals to take care and avoid demonstrations.
A majority of the tourists arriving in the country are from Western Europe (421,037 in 2013) with the highest – 137,416 tourists – from Britain.
On June 16, the United States sent a safety message to its nationals living here and those travelling to the country, stating that violence erupted in the towns of Aluthgama (near Bentota) and Beruwala resulting in several reported deaths and the destruction of local businesses.
“Both locations are common vacation spots for local and international visitors. The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is monitoring the situation closely…,”the message said.
Australia also updated its travel advisory with information on safety and security under civil unrest/political tensions
The advisory said to avoid any protests or large public gatherings in these areas, as they may turn violent, and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times.
“We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Sri Lanka at this time, because of the unpredictable security environment,” the Australian government advised its citizens.