The United States hasn’t issued a travel ban on Sri Lanka, according to U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, who also highlighted that the recent security advisory was issued only to advise Americans to avoid travelling away from the Arugam Bay area until further notice.
Chung said proud of in the U.S. Embassy’s ongoing collaboration with the Sri Lankan government in responding to a security threat that led to the country’s recent security alert and pledged to keep working together to support the safety and prosperity of visitors as well as locals.
Speaking at an event yesterday (28), she said that security for America’s citizens in Sri Lanka is one of her duties as the US Ambassador.
“Sri Lanka does not have a travel ban.” – The US Ambassador ”
“Our US embassies operate under what is called duty to warn all around in the world. We have an obligation to notify our staff, US citizens, and the host government if we learn of a specific and credible security threats,” Chung stated.
According to her, their “no double standard” policy also mandates that they inform US citizens of any safety concerns they raise with embassy staff.
This approach is also widely used all around worldwide. We provided Sri Lankan authorities with these known data as quickly as we learnt of a specific threat in the Arugam Bay area, and they acted promptly.
She said, “We value our partnership with Sri Lanka’s leadership and security officials whose commitment to safety and transparency is notable, and we continue to actively coordinate with them on a daily basis.”
She also wanted to dispel some misinformation that was being spread, the U.S. Ambassador emphasized.
“Travel to Sri Lanka is not banned. Americans should stay away from Arugam Bay until further notice, per our security alert from last week. But our overall travel recommendation for Sri Lanka remains at “Level 2,” as it has been for many years.
She noted that this is similar to advisories for several other popular destinations, such as France, Italy, and the Maldives, all of which are at “Level 2.” She said, “Sri Lanka remains at ‘Level 2’.”
We know that a flourishing tourism sector depends on ongoing safety and stability. Therefore, we are fully committed to supporting Sri Lanka establish that safe, welcoming environment for all,” Ambassador Chung continued.
