UK Foreign Office makes u-turn over holiday hotspot and softens travel warning

UK Foreign Office have loosened a warning and security and safety alert over Sri Lanka. The Foreign Office has updated its Sri Lanka travel advice and softened its warnings around safety on the island in a boost for Brits heading abroad.

The UK Foreign Office had warned visitors of risks including shortages of the likes of fuel and food, as well as a number of power cuts and potential political unrest. It has now removed warnings of food or fuel shortages in a fresh update.

Sam Clark, CEO of Experience Travel Group said: "This is a major win for all those who signed up to our public campaign for fairer, more accurate travel guidance on Sri Lanka. Nobody should deny themselves the beauties and cultural riches of this amazing country just because of a moderate risk that exists everywhere.

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"After all the UK itself is no stranger to political protest. If people are deterred from travel on that basis, they would never even leave their own front doors." The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions.

It says: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times."

"Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners such as hotels, tourist sites and places of worship. Avoid crowded public places, large gatherings and demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities," it goes on to state.

And it continues: "On Easter Sunday in April 2019, more than 250 people, including 8 British nationals, were killed in terrorist attacks against 3 churches and 3 hotels in Sri Lanka: in Colombo, Negombo and in Batticaloa."