Safety
On 18th of May 2009 the armed conflict between government forces and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) ended with the military defeat of the terrorist movement. After this event, Sri Lanka has gradually become a safer country, and now warmly welcomes foreign tourists. However, we would provide some advices to make easier and more comfortable your trip to Sri Lanka.
The process of slow and gradual normalization of the Northern Province has been consolidated with the elimination of the state of emergency and removal of travel restrictions. In those areas, however, it is still not advised to travel as there are not yet adequate hotel facilities adequate to accommodate foreign tourists.
Although the situation in the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu seems to normalize, we recommend extreme caution, especially considering the fact that de-mining operations in some areas are still in progress.
Based on common sense, it is recommended to travelers who wish to visit Sri Lanka:
The process of slow and gradual normalization of the Northern Province has been consolidated with the elimination of the state of emergency and removal of travel restrictions. In those areas, however, it is still not advised to travel as there are not yet adequate hotel facilities adequate to accommodate foreign tourists.
Although the situation in the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu seems to normalize, we recommend extreme caution, especially considering the fact that de-mining operations in some areas are still in progress.
Based on common sense, it is recommended to travelers who wish to visit Sri Lanka:
- To avoid place where political demonstrations are underway and big gathering of people;
- Do not exceed in the consumption of alcohol, do not smoke in public and in general do not behave in ways that may offend the sensibilities of the `religious population, paying particular attention in vicinity of` places considered sacred;
- Be careful in crowded places;
- Adopt measures of prudence and common sense;
- Take extra care when swimming in the ocean due to dangerous currents, even close to the shore;
- To avoid to use bicycles and motorcycles on the major national roads: it is of particular risk due to the chaotic traffic;
- Pay attention if driving of motor vehicles (LHD, according to the British model) considering the road conditions are not always good outside Colombo;
- To observe rules required by the local morality: ban nudity on beaches, use of proper clothing in Buddhist temples, where you enter without shoes, etc…;
- Do not use drugs: there is a strict legislation on drugs, with penalties of up to life imprisonment in the most serious cases.