A highly supported open letter has criticised the UK’s travel advice for Sri Lanka, urging for urgent revision.
- The letter, supported by over 35 MPs and key industry figures, describes the current travel advice as outdated and unnecessarily harsh.
- Concerns have been raised about potential damage to Sri Lanka’s tourism, which supports 380,000 jobs.
- Campaigners are actively seeking a response from the Foreign Secretary to reconsider the existing guidelines.
- Plans are in place to sustain pressure on the government through an upcoming event with Sri Lankan community figures.
An open letter demanding changes to the UK government’s travel advice on Sri Lanka has garnered significant backing. Within days of its release, over 35 influential figures, including MPs, peers, and travel industry leaders, have voiced their support. The letter criticises the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) current guidelines as “overly harsh”, “outdated”, and “synthetic”.
The outdated advisory has been called into question for potentially harming Sri Lanka’s crucial tourism sector, which last year employed more than 380,000 individuals. Sam Clark, managing director of a Sri Lanka-focused travel group, highlighted the immediate effect of the campaign, stating that MPs are now being prompted to address the issue directly with the Foreign Secretary.
Campaigners are particularly concerned with the travel advisory’s warnings of potential violent unrest across Sri Lanka, considering these cautions excessive and unjustified. The letter has amassed support from notable figures including members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sri Lanka and Renowned Sri Lankan personalities, such as former cricket captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
Sam Clark noted that despite recent updates, the online travel advice continues to issue grave warnings that seem unwarranted. Clark voiced determination in continuing the advocacy, assuring that the organisers will convene a meeting with prominent members of the Sri Lankan community, political personalities, and media representatives later this month to maintain pressure on officials to amend the advisory.
According to Clark, these persistent efforts aim for the parliament’s recognition and subsequent action, despite ministers’ inclination to overlook the issue. Concerns have been articulated about the possible risk of travellers disregarding the current advice, or first-time visitors being discouraged by the severe warnings.
The concerted efforts to update Sri Lanka’s travel advice are ongoing, demanding government attention.
