No political or diplomatic issue behind travel advisory – Australian HC

Australian High Commissioner in Colombo Paul Stephens on Thursday told the Daily News that the revised travel advisory reflects the current risk assessment based on credible information and is not influenced by diplomatic, political or commercial considerations.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily News, High Commissioner Stephens stressed that the Australian Government has responsibilities for Australians visiting Sri Lanka and the updated travel advisory helps Australians make informed decisions.

“Australia’s travel advisory on Sri Lanka was issued along with other countries including US, UK, Canada, New Zealand and Japan, and in the interests of Australians visiting Sri Lanka,” he said. “It reflects an objective assessment of the risks. Our intention is not to discourage tourism and travel.”The High Commissioner added that the Australian Government has an obligation towards Australians but it has a concern for citizens of all countries. “If an incident were to happen, it is not just foreigners who might get caught up, but Sri Lankans too.

And the impact on tourism would be devastating.”

A number of countries on Wednesday issued travel advisories for their citizens visiting Sri Lanka, recommending a heightened level of caution. United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan updated their travel advisories concerning Sri Lanka.

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