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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Kate Lally

UK Foreign Office warning to holidaymakers after 'violent unrest'

The Foreign Office has warned against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka amid "violent unrest" and protests.

On Tuesday (July 5), the Government department said Sri Lanka is "experiencing a severe economic crisis which has led to shortages of basic necessities including medicines, cooking gas, fuel and food". People from the UK should not visit the country unless it is absolutely essential.

Guidance on Gov.uk also warns of major fuel shortages affecting transport, businesses, and emergency services.

READ MORE: Man banned from Manchester Airport flight after two hour queue

There are "daily power cuts", it said - due to electricity rationing. The situation has led to protests and violent unrest, with further protests, demonstrations, roadblocks and violent unrest expected.

If you choose to travel against Foreign Office advice, your travel insurance will be void - so if anything goes wrong such as lost luggage or illness, you could end up facing some hefty bills.

The Foreign Office update continues: "There are shortages of basic necessities, and there may be long queues at shops, supermarkets, and pharmacies. Hospitals and other medical services may be affected by shortages, including fuel shortages for ambulances.

"Further short notice protests, demonstrations, roadblocks and violent unrest are likely to take place across the island. Curfews and emergency regulations may be imposed."

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