09 May 2008: Attempt to Bar Foreign Media from Covering Eastern province Election

25 April 2008: Government bars photographers, censors news from war front

21 April 2008: Journalists in north face threats from army

18 April 2008: Free Media Movement Treasurer receives threats and asked to pay ransom

20 March 2008: Watchdog Launch "Stop the War on Journalists"

17 March 2008: Two journalists intimidated

14 March 2008: Sri Lanka national TV employee attacked

29 February 2008: Continuing attacks against journalists

24 February 2008: Sri Lankan police assault TV journalist covering bomb blast in Colombo

20 February 2008: Call for police to end harassment of journalists

18 February 2008: Attempts to Intimidate Journalists

16 February 2008: Sri Lanka Tamil Tiger faction threatens journalist

06 February 2008: Journalists in danger in Sri Lanka

30 January 2008: Journalist followed and another media worker threatened

28 January 2008: Associate Editor of Tamil newspaper stabbed

27 January 2008: Journalist cut with sharp knife

21 January 2008: Journalist assaulted by a politician

20 January 2008: Five countries issue travel ban on Sri Lanka

16 January 2008: Journalist Stabbed for Covering Illegal Sand Mining

10 January 2008: Worsening Conflict Puts All Journalists At Risk

10 January 2008: Police attempt to abduct a senior journalist

02 January 2008: TV channel chiefs receive death threats

19 December 2007: Website interviews director of Voice of Tigers

28 November 2007: Tamil Radio Station Bombed: 3 Media Workers Killed

22 November 2008: Media Office raided by Armed Men

20 November 2007: Tamil journalist abducted

04 November 2007: Jaffna-based newspaper staffer reportedly abducted

31 October 2007: Journalist shot at in Colombo

31 October 2007: Journalist shot at in Colombo

06 October 2007: Sri Lanka army allegedly forces British documentary team to leave Jaffna

30 August 2007: Sri Lanka journalists march against intimidation

27 August 2007: Defense Journalist Fearing for His Life

24 August 2007: Mission uncovers "grave" press freedom violations in Jaffna

16 August 2007: FMM condemns continuous violence against media

05 August 2007: Gun "continues to hunt" Tamil journalists

01 August 2007: Journalist student/ part time journalist shot dead in Jaffna

29 June 2007: Reporter allegedly assaulted by airmen

19 May 2007: Journalist Abducted is Released

30 April 2007: Journalist Killed in Jaffna

19 April 2007: Editor of the Vavuniya based monthly magazine “Nilam” shot dead

15 February 2007: Journalist reported missing in Jaffna

15 February 2007: Jaffna journalists protest "targeting" by paramilitaries

6 February 2007: Journalists Feared Abducted

17 January 2007: Attack against journalist

09 January 2007: Assault on Journalists

06 December 2006: “Shocking violations” of journalists’ rights continue in Sri Lanka

30 November 2006: Photo journalist assaulted and his camera snatched on the ground by police

07 November 2006: Kidnappings Return to Haunt Long Ethnic War in Sri Lanka

25 October 2006: 10,000 copies of Tamil Daily Virakesari burned by Para military group

See Archives

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Latest articles on Sri Lanka from Reuters Alertnet

19 November 2007: Ten Tamil rebels shot dead: Sri Lankan defence ministry

16 November 2007: Sri Lanka warplanes strike rebel territory

13 November 2007: Fresh clashes kill 12 in Sri Lanka

12 November 2007: Sri Lanka troops kill six women Tiger fighters

14 September 2007: Sri Lanka claims killing 10 Tigers

10 September 2007: Violence claims seven more lives in Sri Lanka

07 September 2007: Five killed in fresh violence in Sri Lanka

05 September 2007: Sri Lanka claims killing five Tamil Tigers

03 September 2007: Red Cross says 34 'dissappeared' in Sri Lanka

03 September 2007: Sri Lanka blocks rebel supply route, offensive delayed

01 September 2007: Two killed in Sri Lanka artillery clash

31 August 2007: Three killed in Sri Lanka violence

29 August 2007: Four killed in Sri Lanka fighting

27 August 2007: Nine rebels killed in Sri Lanka clashes

22 August 2007: SLanka warplanes attack rebel base

21 August 2007: Five killed amid heavy shelling in Sri Lanka's Jaffna

20 August 2007: Five dead in Sri Lanka rebel attack

15 August 2007: Sri Lanka skirmishes kill 10

13 August 2007: Sri Lanka skirmishes leave four dead

07 August 2007: Six killed as UN envoy visits Sri Lanka

20 July 2007: Sri Lanka, rebels claim high enemy kills in clash

17 July 2007: Four soldiers, one rebel killed in Sri Lanka clashes

14 July 2007: S.Lanka troops battle rebels in north, 13 dead

11 July 2007: Sri Lanka declares fall of rebel east, Tigers defiant

29 June 2007: Five passengers wounded in Sri Lanka blast

27 June 2007: Tigers say five Sri Lankan troops killed in fresh attack

26 June 2007: Sri Lanka says foils rebel infiltration as donors meet

04 June 2007: Sporadic clashes in Sri Lanka after heavy fighting

30 May 2007: Red Cross returns to Sri Lanka front lines

29 May 2007: Sri Lanka boosts security in capital after bomb attack

23 May 2007: Red Cross quits Sri Lanka front as fighting rages

23 May 2007: Seven killed in Sri Lanka clashes

02 May 2007: Sri Lanka says kills 13 Tiger rebels in series of clashes

29 April 2007: Sri Lanka rebels launch air raid on oil targets

24 April 2007: Bus bomb in Sri Lanka kills 3, injures 37

11 April 2007: Sri Lanka fighting kills 21: defence ministry

03 April 2007: Sri Lanka says kills 23 Tiger rebels, overruns bases

30 March 2007: Shelling kills eight civilians in Sri Lanka

28 March 2007: Sri Lanka says drives Tiger rebels from eastern HQ

27 March 2007: Sri Lanka rebel suicide blast kills 9 after air raid

26 March 2007: Sri Lankan Airlines reschedules flights after rebel raid

25 March 2007: Sri Lanka rebels warn of more attacks

25 March 2007: Sri Lanka says airport under suspected rebel attack

21 March 2007: Heavy fighting in east Sri Lanka

See Archives

Click here to go to the Crisis Watch page

Latest Report from the International Crisis Group
Sri Lanka's Return to War: Limiting the Damage (20 February 2008)

Sri Lanka: Sinhala Nationalism and the Elusive Southern Consensus (07 November 2007)

Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Crisis Deepens the Conflict (14 June 2007)

Sri Lanka’s Muslims: Caught in the Crossfire (29 May 2007)

General Security Information
Terrorism/Security
There is a threat from domestic terrorism in Sri Lanka. On 25 April 2006, there was an explosion at the Sri Lankan army headquarters in the Fort area of Colombo resulting in a number of casualties.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE “the Tamil Tigers”) have been engaged in a long-running armed insurgency against the Sri Lankan authorities. Since December 2005, there has been an escalation in political violence and there have been many fatal attacks. In addition to attacks on the Sri Lankan military and political opponents, the LTTE has carried out a significant number of terrorist attacks. Government buildings or security installations have predominately been their targets although the LTTE attacked the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy in February 1998 and Colombo international airport in July 2001.

There is a danger that Westerners may get caught up in future attacks.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

PRACTICAL INFO

Basic Facts

Capital
Colombo

Language
Sinhalese is the official language. Tamil and English are also spoken.

Ethnic Groups
The Sinhalese make up 74 percent of the population. Tamils form the largest minority group at 18 percent, and there are also Arab and Vedda minorities.

Religion
Buddhist 70 percent, Hindu 15.5 percent, Muslim 7.6 percent, Christian 7.5 percent

Local Laws and Customs
You are subject to local laws in Sri Lanka and violating them may result in a jail sentence.

There are severe penalties for all drug offences and crimes related to the abuse of children. Convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences.

Use of video and/or photography is prohibited near military and government installations and can result in arrest or detention.

Same sex relations are illegal.

Although Sri Lankan attitudes to informal European styles of dress are generally relaxed, you should consider religious and other sensibilities. Do not enter a Buddhist temple wearing headgear or with bare legs or shoulders. You should avoid posing for photographs standing in front of a statue of the Buddha. Always remove footwear.

Nude or topless sun-bathing is generally not allowed.

Crime
Violent crimes against foreigners are relatively infrequent, although there have been reports of sexual offences and muggings against tourists. When travelling around Sri Lanka, you should make arrangements through reputable travel companies and exercise appropriate caution. Women in particular should take care when travelling alone.

There has been an increase in the number of reported thefts from hotels and guesthouses. You should take sensible precautions to safeguard your valuables, especially passports and money.

Key Expressions

• I am a journalist: Mama janamadya wediyek

• Can you help me?: Udawak karanna?

• I need a doctor: Dostara kenek koheda?

Useful Information

Time Zone
GMT +6

Climate
Tropical, high temperatures and humidity at lower levels throughout the year and pleasant weather at higher altitudes. Heavy to moderate rains all year round. The monsoon season extends from December to March in the north-east and June to October in the south-west. You should be aware of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Telephone dialling code
(+) 94

Currency
The currency is Rupee. Most major banks will change US dollar travellers’ cheques as well as allow Visa and Mastercard cash withdrawals. There are cash machines (ATMs) in major cities but some do not accept international cards. Credit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity.

Travel

Visa Requirements
(Business) Visa is required

You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the end of your stay. If you wish to extend your stay in Sri Lanka you should seek a visa extension from the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

You will need a visa for all other purposes.

If you stay longer than your visa allows, you are liable to a fine and possible detention.

Driving (Left/Right)
Left

Road Safety
In Sri Lanka, all road-users, including pedestrians, should be prepared for the unexpected. Erratic driving and bad road conditions contribute to frequent traffic accidents.

Buses are generally badly maintained and bus drivers often have little or no training. Bus crashes are a regular occurrence. In April 2005, a bus that had ignored a level crossing signal was hit by a train. 35 bus passengers were killed. Alternative forms of transport should be used where possible.

Taxis and hire cars are inexpensive in Colombo and tourist areas. Motorised rickshaws are readily available for hire in towns and villages, and most drivers are reliable. However, you should exercise caution, for example by changing to a different rickshaw if yours is being driven dangerously. Women, in particular, should be wary of travelling on their own in a rickshaw at night.

If driving yourself, be alert to the activity of other road-users. In general, bigger vehicles take precedence. Flashing headlights mean that the driver is asserting a right of way. If you intend to drive, you should hold an international driving licence validated by the Sri Lankan Automobile Association (SLAA). Licences can be validated over the counter at an SLAA office.

You should comply with instructions at all roadblocks and security checks.

Areas in the north and east affected by the conflict have been heavily land-mined. Travel off the main roads should be avoided. Always take notice of signs warning about the danger from mines and do not step off metalled roads.

Rail Safety
There have been a number of derailments affecting both tourist trains and commuter trains.

Air Safety
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel: http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm

Sea/River Safety
There have been attacks against ships in and around Sri Lankan waters. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions. The coastline and adjacent territorial sea of the Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mannar administrative districts in the north and east have been declared restricted zones by the Sri Lankan authorities and should be avoided. The Sri Lankan Navy has fired on unauthorised ships in these areas. Entry into Sri Lankan waters, at any point, requires prior permission.

Local Travel
We advise against all but essential travel to the north or east of Sri Lanka. This advice applies to all areas north of the A12 road, including the Jaffna peninsula, the whole of the eastern districts of Batticaloa, Trincomalee and coastal areas of Ampara district north of Pottuvil. There continue to be fatal incidents throughout the north and east. Civilians, including foreigners, have been caught up in the violence. Much of the north and east of Sri Lanka remains heavily land-mined, particularly around the A9 road from Vavuniya to Jaffna. Some people have been denied entry by Sri Lankan government and LTTE checkpoints, which regulate entry into and out of the LTTE-controlled areas in the north and east.

Natural Disasters

The December 2004 tsunami killed more than 30,000 people and caused large-scale damage along the eastern, southern and south western coastline of Sri Lanka.

Health

Emergency medical treatment is not easily available outside main cities, and injured people may have to be brought to Colombo for treatment. Treatment in private hospitals can be expensive and the options for repatriation in an emergency are limited and very expensive.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Diseases
Dengue fever occurs throughout the country and outbreaks of Dengue increase during the monsoon season. Malaria exists in parts of Sri Lanka. Rabies is widespread and common in local cats, dogs, squirrels, monkeys and other animals.

Avian Influenza
There have been no reported cases of Avian Influenza (also known as Bird Flu) in Sri Lanka during the current series of outbreaks.

Medical supplies and facilities
Medical facilities are not always of a standard expected particularly outside Colombo.

Landmines

There have been periods of heavy fighting in 2000 and 2001, with use of antipersonnel mines by both government forces and the LTTE. A four-month long unilateral ceasefire declared by the LTTE expired on 23 April 2001, and fighting resumed immediately thereafter with an offensive launched by the government forces. It was reported that more than 1,600 government soldiers were injured during the offensive, the majority victims of improvised landmines.

During the LTTE’S unilateral ceasefire, the Sri Lankan government sought to retake lost territory, and reported encountering extensive minefields laid by the withdrawing LTTE. During January 2001 alone the Sri Lankan Army claims to have recovered more than 1,000 LTTE antipersonnel mines. The UN has reported in the past that LTTE defensive minefields have not been marked, and that LTTE have laid mines to prevent access to facilities, shelter, wells, and food. There have been press accounts of a person who stepped on a mine laid in a public bathing place and others who have been injured while going about their daily chores. There are regular press reports of security forces being killed and injured by mines and IEDs, including at least 33 killed and 41 injured in May 2001.

It is also reported that government security forces have extensively mined their defensive lines. According to the UN, in the past the Sri Lankan security forces have laid barrier minefields as well as minefields to defend specific points, and these minefields are marked. More recently it has been reported that the Sri Lankan security forces are also using tripwire IEDs to defend their positions.