The governments of France, Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom have relaxed the restrictions imposed on their citizens for visiting Sri Lanka.
Accordingly, the previous notification given by the respective governments to the people of those countries to refrain from visiting Sri Lanka except for essential matters has been updated and relaxed.
Several countries had advised against visiting Sri Lanka since May 2022 due to recent anti-government protests and unrest.
The new update has removed it and it has been announced that transport, hospital work, ambulance etc. may be affected due to fuel shortages mainly because of the economic crisis facing the country.
It has been informed by the new update that the current state of emergency is set to expire on August 27, 2022 and protests over economic issues, the use of tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters, protests, demonstrations, roadblocks and violent unrest could happen and curfews and state of emergency regulations could be imposed at short notice.
“It is a pleasure to announce that France, Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom will relax travel restrictions for their citizens to visit Sri Lanka,” said Mr. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism.
He further said that this is a positive step and he believes that the winter tourism season will work well.
