Sri Lanka 99% secure, says Sirisena

Colombo : President Maithripala Sirisena told diplomats on Monday that Sri Lanka, which faced deadly terror attacks on Easter Day, is 99% safe. He urged countries to lift travel ban imposed for the safety of the travellers.

“He [Mr. Sirisena] thanked the international community for the cooperation and assistance provided to Sri Lanka at this time of need and urged them to continue to provide economic assistance and lift the travel advisories issued to tourists,” according to a statement issued by his office.

Sirisena held a meeting with the Ambassadors and High Commissioners of the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, United States, Germany, Australia and the European Union (EU) at his official residence, said that most of the terrorists and suspects linked to the bombings had been arrested and a huge quantity of explosives and weapons had been seized.

The appeal comes days after Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe held a similar discussion with Colombo-based mission heads.

Since, Sri Lanka survives majorly on its tourism, it is important for the authorities to regain the trust and tourists back in the country.

Hotels across the island are offering big discounts to make up for poor occupancy. Authorities estimate a 50% drop in tourist arrivals in the next couple of months, Reuters had earlier reported.

Around 253 people were killed in the Easter Bombing, claimed by the Islamic State. Post this 70-people were arrested by the authorities for their alleged link or connection to the bombings.