As Sri Lanka returns to normalcy, MEA advices Indians travelling to the island to remain cautious

New Delhi, May 28: Overcoming all challenges after the deadliest attack in Sri Lanka, the island nation is returning back to normalcy. With Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena assuring 99% security and dwelling on maintaining safety, the Ministry of External Affairs has asked Indians travelling to Sri Lanka to remain careful.

 

Security was tightened, schools and colleges were shut and access to social media was temporarily suspended. Now, the country is returning to normalcy but tourists are still been advised to exercise caution.

MEA in its advisory to Indian citizens in Sri Lanka or visiting in the near future has asked them to remain cautious and vigilant. It has also shared important helpline numbers which are active 24x7. The helpline numbers of the Indian High Commission in Colombo are +94-772234176, +94-777902082, +94-112422788, +94-112422789.

The Indian coastline in Kerala and Lakshadweep islands is on high alert with intelligence reports suggesting ISIS terrorists fleeing Sri Lanka may try to enter Indian territory. In the immediate aftermath of the Easter bombings, several ISIS terrorists in Sri Lanka reportedly attempted to flee the crackdown by planning to find a safe haven in India.

Over 250 people had died in a series of bomb explosions at various locations in Sri Lanka on April 21. Several churches and five-star hotels in the capital city of Colombo were especially targeted in the attacks which were eventually claimed by Islamic State. The President of Sri Lanka has assured that the country will also uplift the emergency after one month of extension.