March 2001 EDT Australians visiting or resident in Sri Lanka should maintain a high level of personal security awareness. The security situation is uncertain while the parties to the conflict consider options for a negotiated peace.
Armed conflict continues in the northern and eastern provinces.
Acts of terrorism directed at political, economic and military targets are common in Sri Lanka. Security incidents in the last year included bombings in Colombo and other cities. Bombs have been detonated when security forces challenged suspects in public areas, and although not targeted, foreign nationals have been injured in such attacks. Access is restricted to Northern Jaffna peninsula. Civilian flights to Jaffna operate under the auspices of the Sri Lankan Air Force and there are both security and airworthiness concerns with the aircraft.