Sri Lanka Tourism insists country is open for business
Sri Lanka Tourism has issued a statement reassuring the world that the country is open for business and that it is safe.
It insisted all possible measures have been taken to ensure the safety and security of tourists following the terror attacks on Easter Sunday that killed 359 people and wounded more than 500.
It added: "Sri Lanka Tourism is deeply shocked and saddened by the senseless violence and unreservedly condemns these dastardly acts. We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to all the victims and their families, while wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured and currently receiving treatment.
"There is no place for terrorism of any kind in Sri Lanka and whoever that is responsible for the Easter Sunday violence will be hunted down and punished in the strongest possible manner. Sri Lanka Tourism looks forward to warmly welcome all those who have planned trips to the country in the days, weeks and months."
Tourism officials said following the immediate aftermath of the explosions, Sri Lanka Tourism deployed trained emergency response teams and its representatives at hospitals, affected hotels and the airport to assist tourists.
This included arranging hotel transfers, airline bookings, airport transfers, itinerary changes, hospital treatment, contacting their loved ones, and reuniting missing family members through diplomatic channels.
A 24-hour emergency support desk has been established to assist tourists currently in Sri Lanka – 1912 – and to assist families of affected foreign nationals: +94 11 2322485.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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