WHO rules out health hazards in Sri Lanka

THE World Health Organisation said Thursday that tsunami-hit Sri Lanka is safe for tourists and that the disaster had not created any health hazards.

"The tourists should come, they should not worry because all health measures have been taken," Luis Perez, Southeast Asia's regional adviser for the WHO told reporters in Colombo.

He said the WHO had helped the government to strengthen disease control systems, provide safe drinking water and enhance vaccination campaigns around temporary shelters since the December 26 disaster.

The tsunami was a major blow to Sri Lanka's tourism sector, although the Tourist Board said visitors have started returning in growing numbers.

More than 31,000 people were killed in the tsunami which affected nearly one million more in this South Asian island nation of 19.5 million people. - AP