After a rash of bombings rocked Sri Lanka on Sunday leaving hundreds dead and injured, Hong Kong authorities today issued a “Red Outbound Travel Alert” urging residents to avoid non-essential travel to the island nation.
Hong Kong’s Security Bureau will be monitoring the situation in the country, and officials in a statement called on any Hongkongers already there to “exercise caution.”
“Residents who intend to visit the country should adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel, including leisure travel,” a government spokesperson was quoted as saying. “Those already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety and avoid large gatherings of people.”
The Sri Lankan government today blamed a radical Islamic terror organization called the National Thowheeth Jama’ath for the attacks, which killed more than 300 and injured more than 500 on Easter Sunday. So far, more than 20 people have been arrested in connection with the blasts, the New York Times reports.
Sri Lanka today also declared a state of emergency “to allow the police and the three forces to ensure public security” — a reference to the army, navy and air force.
The bombings targeted three churches and three hotels popular with tourists in three cities, including the capital, Colombo. Authorities have said citizens of India, China, Denmark, the Netherlands, Japan, Portugal, Britain, and Turkey died in the attacks.
The US State Department, meanwhile, issued its own travel warning for Sri Lanka on Sunday, also urging “increased caution” for travelers, and alluding to the possibility of further attacks.
“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas,” the warning reads.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also raised its warning level for Sri Lanka, asking travelers to “reconsider [their] need” to visit the country.
Since the attacks, the Sri Lankan government has suspended the use several social media apps in the country, citing a need to curb the flow of inflammatory disinformation.
Hong Kong residents in Sri Lanka in need of help are instructed to contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s 24-hour assistance hotline at +852 1868, or to contact the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka at at +94 11-2676033.
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