Don’t go to Sri Lanka unless essential, India advises its citizens

New Delhi (TAN): The Indian government has advised citizens “not to undertake non-essential travel” to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the April 21 terror attacks that left hundreds dead on the island nation.

India is a huge tourism market for Sri Lanka.

“The government of Sri Lanka has beefed up the security in the country. A nation-wide emergency including night-time curfew is in place at present which may also affect travel within Sri Lanka,” a statement by India’s ministry of external affairs said on Saturday.

India has advised those undertaking “essential/emergency” travel, to get in touch with the Indian High Commission in Colombo, the assistance high commission in Kandy or consulates in Hambantota and Jaffna if required.

Sri Lanka had welcomed 2.1 million tourists in 2017 and had set the target to double that number this year.

To that effect, it has announced to offer free visas to citizens of more than 30 countries, including the US, UK, European Union and Thailand in an effort to attract tourists during the low Yala monsoon season.