Understanding more about the travel warnings for the east.

Hi there,

My girlfriend and were considering spending a couple of weeks in Arugam bay early October but obviously due to the deeply sad situation within the country at present we are reluctant. I read the following on the UK travel advisory :

We advise against all travel to the north and east of Sri Lanka, and to Yala National Park and the areas around it.
For the purpose of this travel advice we consider the north to be all areas north of the A12 road (which runs from Puttalam in the west to Trincomalee in the east) including the Jaffna peninsula. We consider the east to be the districts of Trincomalee and Batticaloa, as well as coastal areas of Ampara district east of the A25 and A27 roads . We define the areas around Yala National Park as those east of the A2 and south of the A4.

I am a little confused because I thought the main concern was in the war zone which is concentrated in the North. So my question is to those that know the east area well, is what is the main saftey concern in the east areas mentioned are?

I understand governmental travel warnings by nature tend to overcompensate and view them accordingly so. Current situation aside I would feel as safe in Sri Lanka as I have when travelling in places like India. But obviously I am not in business of stupidity either and wouldn't want to be so ignorant as to put myself and girlfriend in foreseeable danger. If there is no war zone in or around Aragum bay would they be refering to roads leading into Arugam bay from Colombo as the danger?

Anyone that could offer some local knowlege on this would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Mark

"Current situation aside I would feel as safe in Sri Lanka as I have when travelling in places like India."

People are much happier in India. Funny how war can ruin your day or even your life. It a small wonder how so many tourists have gone in resent years.

Sorry if my question came across insensitive to the horribleness going on in Sri Lanka at the present but believe me I am anything but. One of the major reasons for reconsidering our trip was out of respect for the Sri Lankan people, first before the consideration for our safety. I read many posts on the issue before making the decsion to persue making enquires on travelling in Sri Lanka. The reason I did persue it further was I got the impression that those from within the country posting messages here were trying encourage people to go rather than stay away for various reasons.
Making mention of India was only to show that I didn't have a problem visiting countires that have strong travel warnings attached to them in an attempt to be clear about my question regarding travel warnings and how to interpret them. I have Sri Lankan friends living in Norway who paint a differen't picture to what the warnings do and I guess I was just looking for more of that local perspective.
I do sincerley hope that peace and stability reach Sri Lanka immediately and my thoughts are with all those affected. Suffering has been endured for much too long by the Sri Lankan people. It is a tragedy. Once again I do apologise if I came across indifferent to the whole situation.
Mark

HI Mark,
I didn't think your post seemed at all insensitive.

The main reason for the FO advise regarding travel to eastern aras.
Last year a bus was blown up on the road between Butala and Monoragama.. Thats just north of Yala National Park.
When the bus was blown up, many of the people inside tried to climb out to escape and were shot as they clambered from the wreckage. Many of these were school kids.
The perpetrators, thought to be LTTE cadres, escaped into Yala area. Shooting a group of rice farmers along the way.

That action caused th FO to introduce the warning and advise not to travel to that area.. The attackers in this occasion were never caught.
About one month ago, an attack was made on a village near Batticaloa resulting in many deaths.
The're reports of shootings in todays Sri Lankan press in Trincomalee.

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/000200904261452.htm

As you probably know, the eastern coastal area used to be under the control of the LTTE. This is no longer but obviously, many people who were connected with the LTTE still live in those areas .

I think it's down to every individual to make their own decision,regarding visiting any areas, whether it be the country as a whole, an area of that country or just one particular town .
But,,, when advise, such as that from the FO, is in place it should be taken into account, that in the event of an accident or loss, your Travel Insurance company would almost certainly declare the ins. void.
That could be someting as silly as stepping off a kerb abd breaking a leg, or whatever but could get very expensive with no travel Ins.

Rod.

Mark:

we just left Sri Lanka and while we were there, battles between army and tamil tigers were being reported in the national parks just west of Arugum Bay. And also in some remote parts of Yala National Park. My interpretation is that the few remaining east coast Tigers are trying to hide in the parks to avoid being captured/shot rather than to fight any war.

However I understand that Arugum Bay itself is quite safe, and we had no concerns in the section of Yala that is open to the public. In fact, other than the few news reports we would not have known that there were any issues at all.

Colombo is a bit weird - the whole city is innundated with check points and army/police armed with automatic rifles. A bit disconcerting as this is the first thing you see on arrival in the country...and the army guys look like they are only about 16 - 17 years old! But this was not experienced anywhere else in the country - other than at a hydro-electric powerstation/dam near Adams Peak and at one bus station near Yala NP.

Our traveling companions are still in Sri Lanka and have been in Arugam Bay for the last 3 weeks...they have said it is the most beautiful beach they have visited in Lanka, and that there is no hint of the problems further north.

My guess is that by October even the skirmishes between tigers/SLA in the parks will be completely finished, but I think it would be wise not to venture too deep into any NP in Sri Lanka without a local guide.

Cheers
SW

Hi guys,

Cheers for taking the time to repy to my post. Your comments are very helpful and informative and will go a long way in assisting us with our decision. Its so nice to see such a supportive forum.

All the best.

Mark

HI takanashi,
I know the replies make it sound dire but don't let it put you off visiting Sri Lanka.The cultural triangle, the hill country, southern plains and south and west coasts are all safe to visit and I'm sure you'd love te island and the people.
Roc.

With the awful news reports from the last few days it seems odd saying you should go but I agree. What is happening in the war zone will have little impact on the tourist areas. At this minute it is all so much to take in but I do not see how staying away can help anyone. You will be safe and it will be great.

Do look out for any appeals and think wisely before giving - often the smaller organisations get the money to where it is needed fastest. I spoke to my friend in Kandy yesterday. A group of his friends went round the town knocking on doors fundraising last week and raised the equivalent of several hundred pounds. They bought hundreds of water bottles, medicine and baby stuff and collected clothes. Yesterday they drove north to the camps. The army would not allow them to Vavuniya but they promised to take the stuff on from the army post. We have to hope they kept their word. These guys are all Sinhalese. They are now raising money to do the same next week and I am collecting for them at work to send money over at the weekend.

The events in Sri Lanka are getting to the end game as far as conventional warfare is concerned. The Sri Lankan Government has announced that they are not going to use heavy weapons now. I think that they have no targets left for their artillery, rockets and bombs.
On the news we see shocking pictures of injured and tramatised people. Finally some news is getting out as the Govenment realise that if the war is over the media cannot be totally excluded any more.

However the witnesses to what has been going on are being held in concentration camps, probably indefinately, and the stories will only trickle out over time.... Such is the nature of modern warfare where there is no openess - just spin and downright lies on every side.

I would repeat what I have been saying on this forum. This may be the end of the conventional military phase, but in the absence of conciliation and the genuine removal of the intolerance and triumphalism, this conflict will fester on. As a result I would be reluctant to go to Sri Lanka until the nature of the post war situation reveals itself. I fear that it could turn even nastier and westerners and other visitors could get drawn in.

Meanwhile I recommend that you take a look at this link. At least your money will go directly to those who are suffering.

http://www.msf.org.uk/default.aspx

( Or try your own country's MSF and donate there )

I am not updated annymore with the happenings of this country, but I were during the whole 90's. I stayed 2-3 months each time I visited and just loved the country, usually stayed in the southwestern (Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna). I am so sad when I see all the suffering of a people that has been suffering for decades already. Let's just hope they will get peace for once and for all now. Like someone said, even though I know that there always have been areas safe for tourists, I am surprised that the interest in Sri Lanka among tourists still are going strong.