State of emergency declared in Sri Lanka
A state of emergency has been declared in Sri Lanka following a serious incident of violence in which a mob set alight homes, shops and a mosque belonging to the local Muslim community in the Digana area of Kandy, in central Sri Lanka.
This was the second serious bout of violence against a Muslim community over the past week; a similar attack occurred in the eastern coastal district of Ampara on 26 February.
“It is important that the authorities take action against mobs who have incited hatred and carried out acts of violence against religious minorities,” said Biraj Patnaik, Amnesty’s South Asia Director. “They have a duty to protect vulnerable groups and hold the perpetrators accountable. But a state of emergency must not become a pretext for further human rights abuses. While it is positive that the Government wishes to prevent further violence, any steps taken to address the problem, however, must meet Sri Lanka’s obligations under international human rights law, including the absolute prohibition on torture, unfair trials and arbitrary detention.”
According to the UK’s Foreign Office, although there will be an increased military presence on the streets, it is not necessary to avoid travelling to the country.
UK newspaper The Independent's Travel Correspondent Simon Calder offered advice to those heading to Sri Lanka: “If you are booked to go there, then your holiday is going to continue as normal,” he said in a video on The Independent’s website. “I’m not aware of any travel operators who are allowing people to vary the terms of their trip.” However, he also warned that this may be subject to change.