The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a travel advisory amid escalating protests and political unrest.
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised Singaporeans to defer all non-essential travel to Sri Lanka as of Sunday (Jul 10). This announcement follows a day of intense protests that led demonstrators to storm the presidential palace, compelling President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to announce his resignation.
The MFA emphasized that Singaporeans currently in Sri Lanka should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety. They are urged to avoid public spaces where protests and large gatherings are taking place, to stay updated with the news, and to follow the directives of local authorities.
Sri Lanka is grappling with a severe economic crisis characterized by significant shortages of essential goods, prolonged power outages, and soaring inflation, primarily due to a depletion of foreign currency reserves for importing necessities.
On Saturday, protests escalated into violence, with thousands breaching Rajapaksa’s official residences, including his home and the prime minister’s office. Rajapaksa has confirmed he will resign on Jul 13, and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has also announced his intention to step down, paving the way for an all-party interim government, according to the parliamentary speaker.
In addition to deferring travel, the MFA advised travelers to Sri Lanka to secure comprehensive travel insurance and familiarize themselves with the policy terms and coverage. Travelers are encouraged to register with the MFA if they have not already done so.
For consular assistance, Singaporeans can contact the Singapore Honorary Consulate-General in Colombo at +94-11-5577300, +94-11-2304444, or +94-11-5577111, or email nawaloka@slt.lk. They can also reach the 24-hour MFA Duty Office in Singapore at +65 6379 8800/8855 or via email at mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg.
