The External Affairs Ministry on Saturday finally issued an advisory asking citizens not to undertake non-essential travel to Sri Lanka in view of the recent wave of bombings in which over 250 people were killed.
This, after senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel questioned the Centre for not having issued advisory to citizens post the terror attacks. "It appears from media reports that India has sent multiple advance warnings of impending terror attack to the Sri Lankan Government. If so then why no travel advisory was issued for Indian citizens travelling to Sri Lanka prior to the attacks? Precious lives could have been saved," he tweeted. The Pioneer had on Friday pointed to the non-issuance of any advisory by the Centre.
In the advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said those requiring to undertake emergency travels can contact the High Commission of India in Colombo, the Assistant High Commission in Kandy as well as Consulates in Hambantota and Jaffna for any assistance.
"In view of the prevailing security situation in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of terror attacks on April 21, Indian nationals intending to travel to Sri Lanka are advised not to undertake non-essential travel," it said.
"In case of those undertaking essential/emergency travels, they can contact the High Commission of India in Colombo or the Assistant High Commission in Kandy / Consulates in Hambantota and Jaffna in case of requirement of any assistance," the MEA added.
The MEA said Sri Lanka has beefed up security in the country but a nation-wide emergency including night time curfew has been in place which may affect travel within Sri Lanka.
Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on the Easter Sunday, killing 253 people. The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the Government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamath (NTJ).