In 2019, Lonely Planet named Sri Lanka the number one tourist destination, citing the country’s multi-cultural heritage, ancient ruins ripe for exploring, breezy golden beaches, rolling hills dotted with tea bushes, and the warmth and friendliness of its people as key features of a beautiful country that was worth visiting.
In April, however, a series of terrorist attacks scared off travellers, resulting in a silence settling on the country as fear and curfews stalled daily life. The Sri Lanka Easter Attack dealt the country’s thriving tourist industry a heavy blow, with many foreigners in the country leaving while others cancelled their prior bookings.
The attackers are believed to be a relatively unknown home-grown group called the National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48010697). The group mainly targeted large gatherings of people at churches and hotels in an attempt to grasp international attention and inspire global ire. The tactics worked, to the detriment of many.
In the wake of panic that followed, officials in the country tried to calm the wave of alarm. The prevailing notion is that the attacks were a one-time event, akin to recent attacks in France, England and America in the last few years (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/07/world/asia/sri-lanka-tourism-bombings.html). Officials confirmed further that the perpetrators were being rounded up in an attempt to make sure no future attacks would be carried out by them. In statements to The Associated Press, the President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, said that up to 99% of suspects associated with the attack have already been arrested, with their corresponding weapons and explosive materials collected and detained. The President also declared that it is safe for tourists to visit the nation once more (http://time.com/5584907/sri-lanka-safe-now-easter-attacks/). With the country’s authorities on high alert, the safety of both citizens and tourists alike is a top priority.
It is, however, wise to stay cautious. Some safety measures that governments recommend following are to avoid places with large crowds (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka) and to carry identification documents at all times as well as to stay on top of the news and to be in contact with family at home. In general, however, most hotels are open and are taking measures to raise security levels in order to ensure the safety of guests. All roads remain open and no island wide curfews have been put in place, so movement is free within the country. (http://www.colombopage.com/archive_19A/Apr24_1556128342CH.php)
In this instance, the best places to visit in Sri Lanka following the attacks are areas of the country that are far away from metropolitan cities and thus from crowded buildings. There are a wealth of hidden gems nestled in the green countryside such as the area surrounding the region of Kandy. A retreat in the hills will guarantee rest and relaxation while injecting some life into the surrounding community. Look for places then that are secluded and private, but well established and thus safe.
Travelling to and around Sri Lanka will need caution and justified discretion, but it is far from impossible. The island holds a vibrant people, intrepid and resilient, who welcome guests now with as much warmth as ever before.
