This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (increased frequency of attacks in Colombo). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Sri Lanka at this time because of ongoing civil violence and the volatile security situation. Fatal attacks occur frequently and further attacks can happen at any time, anywhere in Sri Lanka. Fatal attacks are occurring more frequently in Colombo. Australians could inadvertently become victims of violence directed at others.

You should pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has escalated. Since late 2007, the Sri Lankan Government has conducted regular air and ground attacks in areas held by the LTTE, especially in the north. The number of serious incidents of politically motivated violence, including in tourist areas in the centre and south of the country, has increased significantly. On 16 January 2008, the Government of Sri Lanka officially withdrew from the ceasefire agreement it signed in 2002 with the LTTE. The security situation could deteriorate further without warning.

Sri Lanka remains in a State of Emergency. Security forces have the authority to establish road blocks and impose curfews.

Significant attacks in recent months have included:

• On 6 June 2008, an explosion on a public bus near Katubedda (a suburb of Colombo) killed at least 21 people and injured 50 more.

• On 26 May 2008, a bomb exploded on a public train near Dehiwela (a suburb of Colombo) causing fatalities and injuries.

• On 16 May 2008, a bomb attack targeting a police bus near the Hilton hotel in the Fort area of Central Colombo resulted in a number of deaths and injured dozens.

• On 9 May 2008, an explosion at a café in the town of Ampara, approximately 220 km from Colombo, killed at least 12 people and injured over 20.

• On 25 April 2008, a bomb exploded on a public bus about 15 km south east of Colombo. Dozens of people were killed and over 30 people injured.

• On 6 April, a bomb in the Gampaha district, approximately 20 km north east of Colombo, killed a Sri Lankan Government minister and 15 others, and injured more than 90 people. The minister was attending an event to celebrate the coming Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

• On 3 February 2008, a suicide bombing at the Fort Railway Station in central Colombo killed 13 and injured more than 100, including a number of school children.

• On 2 February 2008, an explosion on a public bus at Dambula in the Cultural Triangle killed 18 civilians and injured 70.

• On 16 January 2008, a roadside bombing targeting a public bus in Monaragala district in Uva Province in the south-east killed 27 civilians and injured 63.

• Between November 2007 and early January 2008, five significant attacks occurred in greater Colombo, by suicide bombers and by means of roadside bombs and timed devices. Three of these attacks targetted government ministers or military personnel; two were designed to kill civilians.

• In March and April 2007, the LTTE used light aircraft to bomb the military area of Bandaranaike International Airport and targets in Colombo.

Although tourists have not been targets of politically motivated violence, attacks have increased throughout Sri Lanka, including in tourist areas in the centre and south.

Travellers should note that the Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo’s main international airport, has been attacked and is at risk of further attack.

On 26 April 2007 the international airport and its access roads were temporarily closed when Sri Lankan troops at the nearby airforce base fired anti-aircraft guns following reports a Tamil Tiger aircraft was in the area. The LTTE launched aerial attacks on the airforce base on 26 March 2007, forcing the temporary closure of the airport.

The international airport could be closed without warning. In light of the increased threat, some airlines have suspended flights to Colombo or changed flight schedules suspending commercial late night flights. We recommend you contact your airline to confirm flight details.

Attacks could occur at any time and in any place, including infrastructure associated with the Sri Lankan Government such as military establishments, public transport, airports, sea ports, oil depots and public buildings, as well as political offices of anti-LTTE Tamil organisations. Nearby locations could sustain collateral damage. Potentially affected locations also include shopping malls, clubs, hotels, restaurants, bars, movie theatres, schools, places of worship, embassies, tourist areas (including national parks), markets and outdoor recreation areas, major sporting events and religious festivals.

Events of political significance, including elections, could be catalysts for violence and civil unrest. You should avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent.

You should be particularly vigilant on and around anniversaries and days of national significance such as May Day (1 May), Vesak (which falls in May), the Kandy Esela Perahara Festival (which falls in August), Heroes week (late November), the Tamil and Sinhala New Year festivals (13-14 April), the anniversary of the 2002 cessations of hostilities (22 February) and of the first LTTE suicide bombing (5 July), as militants have in the past used such occasions to mount attacks.

You should avoid anti-aircraft batteries and their immediate surroundings, including high-rise buildings, especially during blackouts. New batteries have been established in central Colombo in areas frequented by tourists, including hotels. In the event of anti-aircraft fire you should stay indoors in a secure location because of the risk of falling projectiles and shrapnel. You should also avoid travelling at night time when anti-aircraft fire is more likely to occur.

In the event of a Sri Lankan Government-enforced security related blackout, Australian government officials have been advised to avoid anti-aircraft batteries and their surroundings, including tall buildings and to take cover in a secured area for protection against projectiles, likely to be on the ground floor of an internal room with solid concrete walls and ceiling and no, or limited, windows. If unable to leave a tall building, they have been advised to take cover in an inner room with solid walls using heavy furniture for additional overhead protection. They have been further advised to stay indoors for at least one hour after the cessation of firing of any anti-aircraft guns.

Northern and north-central areas of Sri Lanka: We advise you not to travel on the A3 road north of Chilaw on the west coast or north of the B33 road between Chilaw and Wariapola in Kurunegala district. Australians are also advised not to travel north of a straight line between Wariyapola, Nalanda and the Mahaveli River. The Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE have engaged in significant battles in these areas in recent months. An explosion in Wilpattu National Park in May 2006 killed seven visitors.

East and south-eastern areas (including Yala National Park): We advise you not to travel east of a straight line between the southern border of Wasgamuwa National Park on the Mahaveli River and the South Coast, passing through Badulla, including Madiru Oya National Park and Yala National Park. On 24 February 2008, the LTTE launched a suicide attack on members of a paramilitary faction campaigning in local government elections held in March 2008. On 16 January 2008, a roadside bomb attack on a public bus in Uva province 15 kilometres north of Yala National Park killed 27 civilians and injured 67. In recent months, armed attacks, landmines and roadside bombings have caused numerous other fatalities in the east and south-east of Sri Lanka.

There have been recent incidents of violence against aid workers, including in Jaffna and Trincomalee. Reports indicate a pro-government Tamil paramilitary faction has threatened aid workers operating in Eastern Province.

If you are already in the "Do Not Travel" areas described above, including the Wilpattu or Yala National Parks, and concerned for your safety, you should consider departing if it is safe to do so.

Politically motivated violence including assassinations, bombings in public places and on roads is escalating and there is widespread civil unrest. Communal and inter-ethnic tensions in these regions are very high and further violence is highly likely, particularly between Muslim communities on the east coast and pro-government Tamil paramilitaries.

Crime

There is a danger of kidnapping for ransom of foreign nationals in Sri Lanka, including in Colombo. All Australians in Sri Lanka, particularly those of Sri Lankan Tamil origin, should ensure that appropriate identification is carried at all times.

Violent crime continues to increase, including sexual assault and robbery. Policing in remote areas is often hampered by a lack of resources and poor infrastructure.

There have been incidents of violence against aid workers. On 2 June 2007, two volunteer Red Cross workers were abducted from a train station and murdered. On 13 June 2007, an expatriate aid worker with Mercy Corps was shot on a beach at the Club Oceanic Hotel in Trincomalee.

Petty crime such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching occurs, particularly on public transport.

Local Travel

Due to the volatile security situation in Sri Lanka, security arrangements for Australian staff are at a high level at all times. Australian government officials and dependants have been advised to limit travel (particularly at night), maintain a high degree of awareness at roadblocks and checkpoints and avoid using public transport. Australian diplomatic and consular staff have also been advised to exercise heightened security vigilance, avoid travel to locations that may be potential targets and curtail all non-essential travel.

Anti-aircraft batteries and their immediate surroundings, including high-rise buildings, should be avoided. In the event of anti-aircraft fire you should stay indoors in a secure location because of the risk of falling projectiles and shrapnel.

Security personnel may impose curfews, roadblocks and security checks at short notice across the country, and may require proof of identification, such as your current passport.

There can be lengthy delays when travelling to the airport as a result of checkpoints established by the security forces. Sections of the road to the airport are occasionally closed at night, requiring all traffic to be diverted along narrow local roads. Travellers should allow adequate time for security checks on the road to the airport and maintain a high degree of security vigilance if diverted from the main road along the narrow local road system.

Transport conditions throughout Sri Lanka are hazardous. There are a high number of road deaths and injuries, particularly on inter-city buses and three-wheeler taxis. The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor. There have been a number of fatal accidents on Sri Lankan railways in recent years.

Marked and unmarked landmines are widespread in parts of the north and east, especially in Vanni, Jaffna and along the A9 road in the north.

On 28 December 2005 the Government of Sri Lanka announced arrangements for foreigners seeking to enter the uncleared areas of the north and east which are presently under LTTE control. Foreign staff of diplomatic missions, international organisations and international non-government organisations accredited with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be allowed to cross entry and exit checkpoints into uncleared areas without restriction. All other foreigners must seek approval from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence before being allowed to enter uncleared areas. For advice on the location of uncleared areas, you can contact the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence on telephone number (+94 11) 243 3215.

Check points between government held areas and "uncleared areas" (i.e. areas controlled by the LTTE), including on the main A-9 highway which links the north and south of the country, can be closed without notice. Road access between Jaffna and the rest of Sri Lanka has been closed since 11 August 2006.

Government security forces have fired upon unauthorised vessels in coastal areas.

The waters around the northern and eastern coast of Sri Lanka are declared restricted zones by the Government of Sri Lanka. Reports indicate that in January 2008 the Government of Sri Lanka placed sea mines in the waters surrounding the Jaffna peninsula. On 9 November 2006, LTTE Sea Tigers attacked Sri Lankan Navy ships escorting a passenger ferry from Trincomalee to Jaffna. In September 2006 a vessel was destroyed in waters beyond the territorial sea. Australians in Jaffna who wish to depart should do so by air.

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka. The LTTE hi-jacked a Jordanian cargo vessel off the north-east coast in December 2006. See our travel advice on shipping and ports for more information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.

Airline Safety

Due to the on-going conflict, the airforce base at Katunayeke could be targeted at any time. The co-located international airport could be closed without warning and commercial aircraft could be at risk, particularly at night. See Civil Unrest/Political Tension (above) for details. We recommend you contact your airline to confirm flight details.

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns this will be included in travel advice.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The monsoon season is December to March in the northeast and May to October in the southwest. Flooding and landslides may occur.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

Travellers should monitor and follow the directions of authorities in the event of tsunami warnings being issued.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Sri Lanka, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug trafficking are severe and include the death penalty. The death penalty may also be applied for murder and rape.

Homosexual acts are illegal in Sri Lanka.

Photography and video taping in high-security zones (HSZs) is prohibited. All military establishments and some government buildings, including official residences, have been declared as HSZs. Some HSZs may not be signposted.

In August 2006 the Government of Sri Lanka announced restrictions on the use of satellite telephones in uncleared and operational areas (including territorial waters) north, north-east and north-west of Sri Lanka. Permission from the Ministry of Defence must be obtained before using satellite telephones in these areas (further details are available from the Additional Secretary (Technical) of the Ministry of Defence Tel:+94-11-243 0860/+94-11-238 9021).

Australian citizens of Sri Lankan origin are entitled to apply to have their dual nationality status recognised by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local customs

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Sri Lanka and you should take care not to offend.

Taking photographs of people next to Buddha statues can cause offence.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Sri Lanka, for the most up to date information.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical and ancillary treatment in Colombo is below that of Australia. Medical facilities outside of Colombo are limited with no reliable emergency services available. Private hospitals will require payment of a deposit or confirmation of insurance cover prior to admission. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities is recommended. Medical evacuation costs could be considerable.

A decompression chamber is located at the Sri Lanka Navy Base in Trincomalee which is currently a "Do Not Travel" area.

Malaria occurs in all areas of Sri Lanka except for the districts of Colombo, Gall, Kalutara and Nuwara Eliya. Outbreaks of other mosquito-borne diseases (including dengue fever, chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis and filariasis) occur from time to time. We recommend you take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent at all times.

Australia is currently managing a potential shortage of Japanese encephalitis vaccine which may affect the availability of the vaccine to some travellers. For further details see the Department of Health and Ageing's website or consult your doctor.

Food-borne, water-borne and other infectious diseases (including typhoid, hepatitis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We recommend you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

In Sri Lanka, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian High Commission
21 Gregory's Road
Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Telephone (94 11) 246 3200
Facsimile (94 11) 268 6453
e-mail: austcom@sltnet.lk
website: www.srilanka.embassy.gov.au

If you are travelling to Sri Lanka, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the High Commission you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.