TikaWeeks #19-2/2019: Sri Lanka update
Posted by John on 7th May 2019
The UK Minister for Security and Economic Crime, Ben Wallace, returned from Sri Lanka recently, saying "As part of my visit, I have discussed our current travel advice and been clear that we hope to see the Sri Lankan tourism industry return to full strength. We will do all we can to help the Sri Lankan authorities with this."
The minister, who arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday 02 May, visited to reiterate the UK’s condolences following the attack on Easter Sunday which killed at least 250 people, including at least 8 British nationals. As part of his visit the Security Minister met His Excellency President Sirisena, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, other government ministers, military and religious leaders, senior government officials as well as leading figures from the Sri Lankan tourism sector. He discussed the impact on Sri Lanka, how to address the security threat, identify what further support the UK can provide and received an update on the ongoing investigations.
The minister also met the UK police officers who have travelled to Sri Lanka and the consular staff at the British High Commission in Colombo who supported and continue to support British nationals in the country. The Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism command dispatched a team of specialists to Sri Lanka, including family liaison officers, to support the families of British victims and assist with the repatriation of deceased British nationals. They have also appealed for people who have returned to the UK from Sri Lanka to share with them any footage or images they have captured. Videos and pictures can be uploaded online.
A full account of the minister’s visit to Sri Lanka may be found on the UK government website – Security Minister visits Sri Lanka
Categories: Sri Lanka, Travel tips
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