Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvlmactxt/SRI_LANK.TVL

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Sri Lanka - Consular Information Sheet
April 22, 1994

Country Description:  Sri Lanka has a developing economy.  Tourist
facilities outside the capital and major tourist areas may be basic.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and onward/return ticket and proof of
sufficient funds (15 U.S. dollars per day) are required.  A tourist visa can
be granted at the time of entry into Sri Lanka, and may be valid for a
maximum period of 90 days.  Business travelers may be granted a landing
endorsement at the port of entry for a one month period under certain
circumstances.  Yellow fever and cholera immunizations are needed if
arriving from an infected area.  Further information can be obtained by
contacting the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka,
2148 Wyoming Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone [phone]
through 8, or the Sri Lankan Consulate in New York.  There are also honorary
Sri Lankan consulates in Los Angeles, Honolulu, New Orleans and Newark.

Areas of Instability:  There is a long-standing armed conflict between the
Sri Lankan government and a Tamil extremist group, the Liberation Tigers of
Tamil Eelam (LTTE).  Fighting between government security forces and the
LTTE continues in northern and eastern areas of the island.  Sri Lankan
defense regulations restrict travel to much of the island's northern area.
Areas such as Wilpattu and Galoya National Parks are considered especially
unsafe.

Terrorist bombings have occurred, including in or near the capital city of
Colombo.  Prominent national leaders and senior military personnel have been
targets and/or victims of terrorist violence.  In April 1994, four bombs
exploded at Colombo hotels.  While U.S. citizens have not been singled out
as targets, a group calling itself "Ellalan Force" threatened after the
April bombings to target foreigners.  There is a general risk of being
inadvertently caught up in random acts of violence.  Travelers who encounter
roadblocks staffed by security personnel are expected to follow closely any
instructions given.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited. Doctors and hospitals
often expect immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical
insurance is not always valid outside the United States.  Supplemental
medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful.
Malaria is prevalent in many areas outside of Colombo.  For further
information, the traveler can contact the Centers for Disease Control's
international travelers hotline at [phone].

Crime Information:  Petty street crime such as purse snatching and
pickpocketing is common especially on crowded local transportation.  The
loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to
local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Useful information
on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security and other matters
while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A
Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to South Asia."  They are
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in
illegal drugs are strictly enforced in Sri Lanka.  Convicted offenders can
expect jail sentences and fines.

Embassy Location and Registration:  Updated information on travel and
security within Sri Lanka is available at the U.S. Embassy, located at 210
Galle Rd., in the capital city of Colombo.

The mailing address is P.O. Box 106.  The telephone number is (94-1) 448007.
 U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy upon arrival
in Sri Lanka.

No. 94-051

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Sri Lanka dated August 27,
1993, to update information on areas of instability.