Singaporeans advised to defer all non-essential travel to Sri Lanka

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Sunday (Jul 10) advised Singaporeans to defer all non-essential travel to Sri Lanka, a day after protesters stormed the presidential palace and forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to announce his resignation.  

"Singaporeans who are in Sri Lanka are strongly advised to exercise vigilance and take all necessary precautions for their personal safety," said MFA.

"They should avoid public places where there are protests and large gatherings of people. They should also monitor the news closely and heed the instructions of the local authorities."

Sri Lanka has suffered months of shortages of basic goods, lengthy blackouts and galloping inflation after running out of foreign currency to import necessities.

Thousands of protesters stormed Rajapaksa's home and office and the prime minister's official residence on Saturday, as demonstrations over their inability to overcome a devastating economic crisis erupted into violence.

Rajapaksa will quit on Jul 13, while Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also said he would step down to allow an all-party interim government to take over, according to the speaker of parliament.

MFA also advised Singaporeans who are travelling to or in Sri Lanka to purchase "comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage".

They are also encouraged to e-register with MFA at if they have not done so.

Those who require consular assistance can contact the Singapore Honorary Consulate-General in Colombo at +94-11-5577300, +94-11-2304444, +94-11-5577111 or email nawaloka [at] slt.lk. 

Singaporeans can also approach the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/8855 or email mfa_duty_officer [at] mfa.gov.sg.