§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice he is giving to United Kingdom citizens in respect of visits to Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement. [33354]
§ Mr. Hanley[holding answer 10 June 1995]: The current travel advice for Sri Lanka is as follows:
Peace talks between Sri Lankan Government and the Tamil Tigers broke down on 19 April. There has been subsequent fighting in the north and east. Do not visit these areas. The south and centre, including all the main tourist areas and the cultural triangle, remain for the most part unaffected. There was an attempted major car bomb attack, almost certainly by the LTTE, near the arrivals terminal of Katunayake airport late on 5 June, followed by a threat of further attacks on KIA. Security at the airport and elsewhere has been greatly increased. This may result in delays. The recent small bomb explosions in Colombo were not thought to target foreign visitors but exercise caution in public places as there is a risk of further bomb attacks. Visitors may contact the British High Commission in Colombo, tel 437336, fax 430308, for further information.