25 Apr
2019

Sri Lanka

All of us would have been shocked and appalled following the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka over the Easter weekend. Our thoughts are with the people of this beautiful and hospitable country at this difficult time, and I know our Members with business and ties to Sri Lanka will have been particularly moved by these tragic events and will be providing support to their partners on the island. 

As events unfolded, media interest concentrated on the impact on the Sri Lankan people and those foreign visitors who were caught up in the attacks. We have been in close contact with the Foreign Office and have been supporting Members with customers there at the moment, as well as providing updates via our Operational bulletins. On Sunday we published information for travellers on abta.com, highlighting the need to follow the advice of the local authorities, remain vigilant and to keep checking the Foreign Office advice.

After the Bank Holiday weekend the media focus shifted to holidaymakers due to travel to the island and their rights should they wish to cancel. ABTA spokespeople have been doing interviews for local BBC radio stations and providing expert comment to national media, emphasising the role of Foreign Office advice, and that travel companies’ policies will vary, with some Members taking a flexible approach for customers due to depart imminently. 

If you have any questions or require any support regarding operational matters for programmes in Sri Lanka please contact membersinfo@abta.co.uk.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive