Updated in its travel advise, the US Department of State cautions against traveling to Sri Lanka in light of possible instability leading up to the country’s September 21, 2024, presidential election.
The alert urges U.S. citizens to take extra caution, highlighting the elevated potential of terrorism and civil upheaval during this time. The statement warns that there may be violent protests and demonstrations leading up to, during, and following the election. The caution makes reference to previous incidents in which law enforcement dispersed protesters using tear gas and water cannons.
The travel advisory also emphasizes the ongoing danger of terrorism in public areas around the nation. Prior attacks, which frequently happened without notice, have targeted tourist destinations, transit hubs, government buildings, and houses of worship.
The Department of State advises Americans to stay away from all public protests, cautioning that even nonviolent assemblies have the potential to turn violent at any time.