UK Removes Travel Restriction to Northern Sri Lanka

The United Kingdom yesterday removed its travel restriction to several northern war-affected districts in Sri Lanka.

Travel restrictions have been eased for the districts of Mullaithivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar and Vavuniya.

The decision to ease travel restrictions came after Acting British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Mark Gooding visited the northern part of the country, including the Jaffna peninsula. During the four-day visit, the U.K. team met with government officials, military personnel, religious leaders, and commercial and humanitarian organizations.

“This latest change means we no longer advise against travel to any part of Sri Lanka,” said British High Commissioner Peter HayesPeter Hayes. “Britons wishing to travel to the north should be aware that there remains a risk from mines and unexploded ordinance and that they need to obtain permission from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defense before they travel.”

Hayes has encouraged all British visitors to Sri Lanka to read the full travel advice that is available at www.fco.gov.uk.

In May 2010, the U.S. State Department lifted its travel warning for Sri Lanka. It came just after the island marked one year since the end of the war between the government and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.