US embassy issues travel advisory on Sri Lanka

The US Embassy has issued a travel advisory to its citizens who are travelling to Sri Lanka, by citing threats of "terrorism".

Accordingly, the Embassy said that terrorists may attack with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Further, U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Sri Lanka were advised to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov in order to receive the the latest security updates.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy said that US citizens could contact the US consular office at 210, Galle Road by calling +94 11 249-8500. In case of an afterhour emergency US citizens could contact  077-725-6307 / 011-249-8888.  The fax number is +94 11 249-8501, the alert noted.

In addition, US citizens can contact the US Embassy at 210, Galle Road, Colombo 3 on Mondays and Wednesdays (excluding Embassy holidays) from 1 pm to 4 pm on +94-11-249-8500 or by reaching the fax number +94-11-249-8501.

In the event of emergency only, the Embassy duty officer could be contacted during after hours at +94-77-725-6307.