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Sri Lanka.....the country to avoid and NOT visit

There can be little doubt that Sri Lanka is involved in a PR campaign to entice tourists to its shores.     All too sadly Lonely Planet has nominated the country as the top destination to visit in 2013.

Anyone considering visiting Sri Lanka, would do well to consider the Statement just put out by the Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice - and therefore avoid going there......

"What you see...

"Sri Lanka is a stunning island with beautiful sights, amazing landscapes, incredible wildlife, wonderful food and friendly people. It is not surprising that each year nearly a million people from all over the globe visit to experience the hospitality and sights on offer. Sadly, however, visitors to Sri Lanka are in real danger of inadvertently supporting alleged perpetrators of war crimes and human rights abuses, both financially and politically.

...and what you don't

Many Sri Lankans live in fear. Sri Lanka is ranked as the second worst country for involuntary disappearances and the 4th most dangerous country for journalists in the world. There is strong evidence of widespread torture and murder, discrimination and land-rights abuses, with those in power above the law. While many people have reportedly been illegally detained, tortured or disappeared, to date very few perpetrators have been arrested or charged.

These abuses, and the culture of impunity that permits them, are a result of the lack of accountability for what happened at the end of Sri Lanka's long and bloody civil conflict. During the final stages of the war in 2009 an estimated 40,000 civilians were killed. There is credible evidence that Government forces deliberately shelled hospitals and designated no-fire zones, while the LTTE used civilians as human shields. Many of those alleged to be responsible remain in power. Oppression of minorities has continued and those who dare to speak out face persecution.

Travellers' dilemma

Tourism can bring positive benefits to a country, and we are not suggesting that these be denied to a population already suffering under an oppressive regime. Often the challenge is making sure your holiday spending really does go to help local communities - in Sri Lanka there is the additional problem that it may profit known or alleged human rights abusers. The most important thing is to make an informed choice."




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