Country Description: Sri Lanka is a parliamentary democracy with a developing economy. Tourist facilities outside the capital and major tourist areas may be limited.

Entry and Registration 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 (202) 483-4025 through 8, or the Sri Lankan Consulate in New York. There are also honorary Sri Lankan consuls in Los Angeles, Honolulu, New Orleans and Newark. Sri Lankan law requires all persons, including foreigners, who are guests in private households to register in person at the nearest local police station. Individuals who stay in private households without registering with the local authorities may be temporarily detained for questioning. This requirement does not apply to individuals staying in hotels or guest houses.

Areas of Instability: The thirteen year old armed conflict between the government of Sri Lanka and a Tamil separatist group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), intensified after government forces launched a major offensive in October 1995. The offensive culminated in the government regaining control of the LTTE-dominated Jaffna city area in the northern peninsula in December. The military conflict in Jaffna, the northern peninsula and the eastern provinces, including the towns of Trincomalee and Batticaloa, is expected to continue. The LTTE has responded with stepped up military and terrorist activity in the east and terrorist attacks in Colombo. In August 1995, the LTTE also launched a series of attacks on civilian villages, including villages near Anaradhapura and Polonnaruwa, popular tourist destinations. Tourist attractions themselves have not been affected. Travelers are still advised not to travel to the north and east of the country. Sri Lankan defense regulations restrict travel in much of the island's northern area, including Wilpattu and Gal-Oya national parks.

Terrorist Activity: Terrorist activities in the capital city of Colombo and other areas remain a serious threat. Colombo's major hotels have been directly affected by terrorist activities and could be again because of their proximity to likely economic, government and military targets in the capital. In one eight month period, five terrorist bombings and/or commando-style attacks occurred in Colombo. In January 1996, a massive truck bomb in downtown Colombo severely damaged the Central Bank, nearby office buildings and adjacent five star hotels. The bomb killed some 100 people and injured over 1,000 others. American citizens present in the business district during the bomb blast escaped major injury or death. In 1995, terrorist incidents included a car bomb at the International Airport, a suicide bombing outside a government office in Colombo, a midnight raid on the country's oil storage facilities, and a suicide bomber attack on the army headquarters, also in Colombo. Political assassinations are routinely carried out by the LTTE. In addition to the LTTE, a little known group called the Ellalan Force has repeatedly threatened economic targets and foreigners. Although neither the LTTE nor the Ellalan Force has specifically targeted foreigners, the risk of injuring foreigners has not deterred their activities. Tourists or business representatives traveling in Sri Lanka may well be inadvertently caught up in random acts of violence -- being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Terrorist incidents, unexpected curfews, gasoline and diesel fuel shortages, transportation slowdowns, and road closures and other government-imposed security measures have disrupted some tourist services and caused periodic inconvenience to travelers and residents. Additional attacks, especially on infrastructure facilities, could result in future tightening of security, causing hardship to travelers.

Americans are urged to exercise extreme caution in Colombo because of possible terrorist activities there. In addition, Americans are advised to avoid political rallies and other mass gatherings, stay clear of government and military installations and use caution when traveling on public buses or trains. Street and highway checkpoints staffed by security personnel are common; travelers should closely follow any instructions given. American citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the American Embassy. Americans should monitor local radio and television upon learning of terrorist attacks, seek cover away from windows and return to their home or hotel when safe to do so.

Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. A serious illness or injury may require evacuation to the nearest country where adequate medical facilities or treatment are available, usually Thailand or Singapore. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medical evacuation coverage, may prove useful. For further information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559.

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 U.S. Embassy. 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.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: Vehicle traffic moves on the left (British style). Narrow, two lane highways, dangerously driven intercity buses, overloaded trucks and a variety of vehicles ranging from ox carts and elephants to new four-wheel drive jeeps on the road make driving a challenge. In spite of these conditions, fatalities of foreign visitors are low. Many visitors hire cars and drivers or use radio taxicabs. Traffic in Colombo is very congested.

Embassy Location and Registration: Updated information on travel and security within Sri Lanka is available at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. The mailing address is P.O. Box 106, 210 Galle Road, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka. The Embassy's telephone number during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, is (94) (1) 448-007. The Embassy's after-hours and emergency telephone number is (94)(1) 447-355. The Embassy in Colombo also covers the Republic of the Maldives. The Consular Agency in Male closed on August 9, 1995. U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the Embassy upon arrival in Sri Lanka.