Sri Lanka Update | Current Situation in Sri Lanka 28/04/2019

Colombo, 28/04/2019, 16:00 hours (Sri Lanka Time)

Dear Friends and Partners,

There have not been any significant developments from the last update. As we informed yesterday, there continues to be a heightened security presence Island-wide to further ensure the safety and security of the general public.

According to a statement made by Minister of Tourism, Lands and Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga, “the on-arrival visa facilitation program” for 39 countries, which was to be launched on 1st of May 2019, has been postponed given the current situation.

The death toll of the Easter Sunday terror attacks currently stands at 253 and has been revised from the previously reported 316.

As we informed yesterday, according to Airport and Aviation Services, only airline passengers can enter the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) departure terminal. Therefore, it is still recommended to arrive at the airport 4 hours prior to departure to avoid delays due to heightened security measures. There is special hospitality provided at the airport to lessen the inconvenience to passengers. Airport taxis are now operational from the airport terminal building itself for all incoming passengers. Hotline for any assistance regarding airport services – 1912 or clients can visit the airport tourist information counter.

The National Thawheed Jamath (NTJ) and Jamathei Milathu Ibrahim (JMI) organizations have been banned by President Maithripala Sirisena. The government will take steps to ensure that all assets and activities of the organizations come to an immediate halt.

The Sri Lanka Police has released the names and photographs of several suspects wanted in connection with the attacks and is seeking public support in order to apprehend the remaining suspects and are confident they will be able to do so soon. 2 suspects wanted by the Criminal Investigations Department in connection to the East Sunday bombings were taken into custody this morning (2019/04/28) in the Nawalapitiya area.

The police and security forces have taken measures to take strict legal actions against persons circulating false information. Therefore, we recommend referring reliable sources to obtain status updates.

As we reported yesterday, all clients who are already in the country are continuing their programs as usual and all sites are completely open as normal. Shops are open as it would be on a weekend.

It is expected the precautionary police curfew island wide that was in place over the last several days from 10 pm to 4 am will also be in place tonight (2019/04/28) till very early tomorrow (2019/04/29). Special police curfew, which was imposed on the Kalmunei, Samanthurei, and Chavalakadai police divisions yesterday (2019/04/27) due to incidents that took place was lifted at 10 am today (2019/04/28) but will be re-imposed again from 5 pm this evening until further notice.

We are continually closely monitoring the situation and if there is any reason to be concerned, we will of course alert you immediately.

Thank you once again for all your support in these trying times!

SHIROMAL COORAY

Chairman & Managing Director – Jetwing Travels (Pvt) Ltd
Chairman – Jetwing Hotels Ltd