TN travel advisory ‘could be lifted in fortnight’

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

The government is considering lifting its travel advisory on Tamil Nadu in about a couple of weeks after monitoring the situation in Tamil Nadu where Sri Lankan pilgrims came under attack, External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunatilaka Amunugama said yesterday.

Amunugama said they were monitoring the situation in Tamil Nadu. “There have been improvements. Our High Commission in Chennai is closely monitoring the situation,” he said. “ It will take a few weeks to assess the situation.

There has been no incidents since the last attack,” Amunugama said. “We will lift the travel advisory once the situation in Tamil Nadu is safe for Sri Lankans.

It could happen in couple of weeks provided the conditions are safe for Sri Lankan visitors,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Indian government assured safety and security for Sri Lankan citizens visiting the Southern Indian state.

The travel advisory was issued after an incident where 184 Sri Lankan pilgrims came under a mob attack in Tamil Nadu. It warned Sri Lankan citizens not to visit Chennai until further notice because of increasing intimidation of Sri Lankans.