Amid growing concerns, an open letter advocating for updates to the UK’s Sri Lanka travel advice has gained significant traction.
- The document criticises the current advisory issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office as outdated and damaging to tourism.
- Endorsed by political figures and industry experts, it argues the advice could deter travel and harm Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
- Campaigners urge MPs to bring these concerns directly to the attention of the UK foreign secretary.
- An upcoming event seeks to further the dialogue, aiming for a review and meaningful change in the travel advisory.
The open letter addressing the UK government’s travel advice to Sri Lanka has garnered notable support across various sectors, including endorsements from more than 35 Members of Parliament, peers, and travel industry stakeholders. The initiative, launched on January 12, 2024, expresses urgent concerns regarding the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)’s current advisory, which is described as ‘overly harsh,’ ‘outdated,’ and ‘synthetic.’ The letter’s authors insist that the present guidance no longer accurately reflects conditions in Sri Lanka and poses unnecessary barriers to the tourism industry, a crucial sector for the nation’s economy.
Sam Clark, managing director of Experience Travel Group, who is at the forefront of this campaign, highlighted the immediate impact of the letter, noting that the concerns raised are being actively discussed within parliament. ‘We have had overwhelming support from campaigners and parliamentarians, and we are asking MPs to put these points to the foreign secretary directly,’ stated Clark, underlining the constructive engagement anticipated from the government.
The letter also challenges specific assertions made in the UK advisory, particularly the warning that unexpected violent unrest could occur anywhere in Sri Lanka. This point is labelled by campaigners as ‘particularly excessive and unfair,’ given its potential to unduly alarm prospective travellers. Signatories include key figures such as members of the Sri Lankan All Party Parliamentary Group, the Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando, and former cricket captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Their participation underscores the wide-reaching implications of this advisory, reflecting a shared determination to see it revised.
In response to the inadequate recent updates to the travel advice, the campaign organisers are preparing a significant event at the month’s end. This gathering aims to consolidate support from the Sri Lankan community’s political and media figures to maintain momentum for change. Clark expressed concerns about the broader effects, cautioning that ignoring the advice might become a trend among seasoned travellers, while novices could be discouraged altogether.
The campaign for revising the UK’s travel advisory on Sri Lanka remains robust, with significant backing aimed at achieving impactful change.
