The nation's biggest tour operator has cancelled more trips to Sri Lanka amid the country's state of emergency and ongoing civil unrest. TUI has axed holidays to the Indian ocean island until at least July 31, after previously halting trips until July 18.
The travel giant said: "Due to the ongoing political and economic instability in Sri Lanka, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have advised against all but essential travel. As a result, we’ve unfortunately had to cancel all holidays to Sri Lanka departing up to and including July 31, 2022.”
In Sri Lanka, protestors have since taken to the streets of the capital Colombo and demonstrators have been pictured invading the presidential palace. Citizens angry over a devastating economic crisis that has triggered severe shortages of food and fuel also took over other government buildings.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his wife fled the island aboard a Sri Lankan air force plane bound for the Maldives, earlier this week.
The FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka due to the impact of the current economic crisis. It stated: "Sri Lanka is experiencing a severe economic crisis which has led to shortages of basic necessities including medicines, cooking gas, fuel and food.
"There is a major shortage of fuel (diesel and petrol) affecting transport, businesses, and emergency services. There are daily power cuts due to electricity rationing.
"This has led to protests and violent unrest. Further protests, demonstrations, roadblocks and violent unrest could occur at short notice. You should avoid political gatherings or protests and be wary of spontaneous large gatherings."
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