
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Sri Lanka
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SRI LANKA - WARNING
  January 17, 1992

Summary:  The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling
to Sri Lanka that while the main business and tourist destinations
in western, central and south Sri Lanka are generally calm,
terrorist bombings of government security targets in Colombo have
caused many civilian casualties.  All travel to north and east Sri
Lanka should be avoided until further notice.  While there is no
direct threat to U.S. citizens at this time, there is a general risk
to all travelers of being inadvertently caught up in random acts of
violence. End summary.

Fighting between government security forces and the Tamil extremist
group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), continues in all
parts of the north and east of the island of Sri Lanka.  The
security situation remains unsettled and volatile, and consular
services and protection cannot be guaranteed in those areas.  U.S.
citizens should also avoid areas such as Wilpattu and Galoya
National Parks.  While the Yala National Park and the cultural sites
of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are not affected by the fighting at
this time, U.S. citizens should exercise caution and contact the
Consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo before venturing to
those areas.  Travelers may also encounter roadblocks manned by
security personnel and travelers should follow closely any
instructions given.

The center and south of Sri Lanka, including the western beaches
and the hill (tea) country, are generally calm, and travelers report
few problems there at present.  In 1991, however, terrorists
exploded two  powerful car bombs in Colombo aimed at security forces
and Sri Lankan installations.  Although no foreigners were killed in
these incidents, several were injured.  Travelers should be alert to
the continuing threat of terrorism in the capital.

Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, hepatitis A, and
typhoid occur from time to time in Sri Lanka, including Colombo.
Malaria is prevalent everywhere outside of Colombo.  Visitors should
ensure that all their immunizations are current, and use all
available precautions to avoid contact with mosquitoes.

Because the situation in Sri Lanka can and does change very
rapidly, all U.S. citizens are urged to register with the U.S.
Embassy upon arrival.  The Embassy is located at 210 Galle Road,
Colombo 3, Telephone 448007.

 No. 92-007

This replaces the previous advisory of July 2, 1991, to reflect
additional health concerns in Sri Lanka.

