The head of the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance slammed foreign embassies on the island for issuing a travel warning after a reported ‘terror threat’, following intelligence that an attack on a tourist hotspot in the Eastern Province was being planned.
Several foreign embassies, including the US, UK, Russia, Germany and Canada all issued travel warnings to their citizens in the wake of the alleged terror plot.
However, SLTA Chairman Malik J. Fernando struck back at the travel advisories. “Is this some kind of cruel joke being played on Sri Lanka and its vital tourism industry, crucial to economic recovery, by a group of foreign embassies?,” Fernando said in an open letter published last week.
“The uncalibrated response from foreign embassies displays callousness towards Sri Lanka and its tourism sector, which plays a critical role in uplifting millions in rural communities still recovering from recent serious economic setbacks,” he said.
“What looked to be a promising winter tourism season can now be impacted, as the US advisory is amplified by the UK and subsequent international media coverage.”
Last week, Sri Lankan police confirmed that an Israeli community centre called 'Chabad House' was a potential target of a ‘terrorist’ attack. Three suspects have been detained and interrogated.
“Despite the reckless actions of those with megaphones, Sri Lankans remain hospitable and welcoming to travellers from around the world,” Fernando continued.
The threat brought back memories of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, where suicide bombers targeted churches and several luxury hotels on the island, killing hundreds of people, including foreign tourists. The attacks and its aftermath severely impacted Sri Lanka which is heavily reliant on its tourism sector.
At the time, repeated warnings from foreign agencies were reportedly ignored by Sri Lankan authorities.
