Travel Alert Updates: Sri Lanka Easter Attack

FCM's Travel Alerts

FCM Travel Solutions are truly saddened about the devastating attacks in Sri Lanka that took place over this Easter weekend. At this point in time all travellers and members of the FCM community have been marked safe; but we are continuing to monitor whereabouts and the safety of our travellers, our staff and our partners in the area.

Currently Sri Lankan authorities will maintain an elevated security posture nationwide through at least April 30th. The nationwide curfew that went into effect yesterday is scheduled to end today; however, further extensions are possible. The government has declared public holidays for both April 22nd and 23rd; government and business operation suspensions are likely. 

The heightened security posture is likely to translate into additional checkpoints, security patrols and travel restrictions near potential terrorist targets, including churches and other religious sites, hotels and tourist sites, diplomatic representations, major transport hubs and government buildings. Security forces will also remain sensitive to further reported suspicious activity. Operations/deployments to sites where suspicious packages or suspects are identified will be likely and almost certainly result in localized travel disruptions. Further attacks are possible and similar related disruptions near impact areas are likely.

Transport

All airports in the country are open. Authorities have increased security at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) immediately following the initial blasts. Officials have requested that passengers arrive at the airport four hours before scheduled flights. Non-passengers are barred from entering the airport terminal. Similar increased security measures are likely at the country's other major airports, including Ratmalana Airport (RML) and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI). Flights to and from the country have not been overly affected; however, delays and cancellations remain possible in the coming days in response to any further security incidents or threats. Heightened security is likely at major rail and bus transport hubs in the coming days, with possible disruption to scheduled services.

Communication

In the aftermath of the attacks, authorities have blocked social media. Disruptions to other communication platforms, including WhatsApp and Skype, have also been reported.

 

If you are an FCM client and have upcoming travel to Sri Lanka and have concerns, please contact your Travel Consultant as soon as possible. Alternatively, please reach out to your Account Manager for additional concerns.

We keep the families and friends of all the people who have lost their lives in our thoughts and prayers. We stand with the people of Sri Lanka who are reeling from this unspeakable tragedy.