Lankan tourist destinations remain open with increased security

Friday, April 26, 2019

Sri Lanka’s Tourism Development Ministry on Tuesday said in a statement that all major tourist spots remain open albeit with tighter security following the Easter Sunday terror bombings.

“Sri Lanka Tourism wishes to assure tourists who are already in the country and unaffected by the terror attacks that the police, tourism police and security forces are jointly implementing a comprehensive security plan to ensure their safety across the island including all important tourism sites,” the statement said.

Eight bombings at three churches and three luxury hotels on Easter Sunday killed over 350 and wounded more than 500, with 39 tourists among the dead and 28 wounded.

“Our world famous tourism sites, hotels, resorts and other tourist attractions will remain open as usual,” the statement said.

“There are no road closures or restrictions on movement anywhere in the island.”

“Meanwhile, a security briefing was held on 22nd April for hotel owners and operators on the new safety measures that are being rolled out and to seek their cooperation in strengthening security at hotels and resorts.”

The ministry said that all possible measures have been taken to ensure the safety and security of tourists.

The Islamist State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack, while members of the local radical extremist group National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ) and a splinter group were arrested.

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