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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 066595 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC CE
SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - SRI LANKA 
 
¶1.  The Department of State warns American citizens 
traveling to or living in Sri Lanka about the potential 
for continued instability, including possible terrorist 
attacks.  This replaces the Travel Warning for Sri Lanka 
dated December 22, 2008, to update information on 
security incidents, safety concerns in specific regions 
of the country, and potential problems for U.S. citizen 
travelers. 
 
¶2.  On May 19, 2009, the Sri Lankan government announced 
that it had achieved victory over the Liberation Tigers 
of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), an armed insurgent group, after 
more than 25 years of civil conflict.  Despite the 
conclusion of hostilities, remnants of the insurgency 
group remain.  The Government of Sri Lanka's security 
posture remains heightened. 
 
¶3.  The Department of State urges American citizens to 
evaluate carefully the risks of travel to Sri Lanka and 
specifically warns Americans against travel to the 
Northern Province and most of the Eastern Province of Sri 
Lanka due to the presence of uncleared land mines and the 
possibility of renewed insurgency.  Armed paramilitaries 
remain active in the Eastern Province.  Consular 
assistance to American citizens detained in the north and 
east may be significantly delayed.  Travel to all of the 
Northern Province remains potentially unsafe, in 
particular travel to the following areas: Anuradhapura 
District of the North Central Province; the areas north 
of Medawachchiya; the A14 road; and the road from 
Medawachchiya and Horowupatna.  Non-official travel by 
U.S. Government personnel to the Eastern Province, other 
than the A6 road corridor and Trincomalee Town in 
Trincomalee District and areas in Ampara District south 
of the A4 road and west of Maha Oya, is prohibited. 
Travel in some parts of the country remains highly 
restricted by the Sri Lankan government, with particular 
sensitivity concerning the large number of Internally 
Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps. 
 
¶4.  American citizens of Sri Lankan origin may be subject 
to additional scrutiny upon arrival and while in the 
country.  In some cases, foreigners of Sri Lankan origin 
may be detained without their embassy being notified. 
The activities of journalists, researchers, aid workers, 
and volunteers receive particular attention.  The 
Government of Sri Lanka encourages Sri Lankan citizens to 
report foreigners who are suspected of carrying out 
activities not consistent with the national interest 
and/or their visa category. 
 
¶5.  Although no terrorist incidents have taken place 
since the government's declaration of military victory 
over the LTTE in May 2009, there remains the possibility 
that remnants of the organization may attempt to carry 
out attacks.  In 2008 and early 2009, bomb explosions in 
densely populated areas killed dozens of civilians, 
including some areas frequented by foreign tourists. 
Although there is no specific indication that American 
citizens or institutions have been targeted, American 
citizens risk becoming victims of violence by being in 
the wrong place at the wrong time.  American citizens who 
decide to travel to Sri Lanka should be aware of their 
personal surroundings and follow prudent security 
practices.  Americans should avoid large crowds and 
public gatherings and should particularly avoid political 
rallies, military bases, government and military vehicle 
convoys, and high security zones, which have been 
frequent targets of LTTE attacks.  Americans are also 
advised against traveling by bus within Sri Lanka, as 
civilian buses have often been the target of past 
 
STATE 00066595  002 OF 002 
 
 
terrorist bomb attacks. American personnel in the U.S. 
Mission are currently prohibited from traveling by public 
bus. 
 
¶6.  Recent incidents include a suicide bomb attack on 
January 2, 2009, near the Air Force Headquarters in 
Colombo which killed two and injured 32.  On October 9, 
2008, a suicide bomb attack on the convoy of a government 
minister killed one and injured six in the suburbs of 
Colombo.  On October 6, 2008, 28 civilians were killed 
and 80 injured in a suicide attack on the opening of a 
political party office in Anuradhapura.  Foreign tourists 
were not specifically targeted in these attacks and none 
were injured. 
 
¶7.  Americans should comply with all instructions from 
security forces and police when traveling in Sri Lanka. 
American citizens, including those of Sri Lankan origin, 
whether living in Sri Lanka or traveling there for only a 
few days, are strongly urged to register with the Embassy 
online via the Department of State travel registration 
page or in person.  Embassy contact information is as 
follows: 
U.S. Embassy Colombo 
210 Galle Road 
Colombo 03 
Sri Lanka 
Telephone: +94 11 249 8500 
Emergency after-hours telephone: +94 11 249 8888 
Facsimile: +94 11 249 8590 
Email (American Citizens Services issues): 
ColomboACS@state.gov 
Email (general Consular inquiries): 
ConsularColombo@state.gov 
 
¶8.  As the Department continues to develop information on 
any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, 
it shares credible threat information through its 
consular information documents, including the Country 
Specific Information for Sri Lanka and the Worldwide 
Caution, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. 
 
¶9.  Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security 
conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United 
States and Canada or, outside the United States and Canada on a 
regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are 
available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (except 
U.S. federal holidays). 
 
¶10.  Minimize considered. 
CLINTON