The Department of State of the US in a travel advisory dated November 19, 2009 has warned US citizens against travel to the northernmost areas and most of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Security concerns, especially due to the presence of un-cleared landmines, have been the basis for this decision.

The US, the UK and many other rich nations of the West had been vociferous during the past few months in pillorying the Sri Lankan government for keeping the IDPs in the welfare camps. Sri Lanka’s position had been that the displaced could not be allowed to return to their villages until de-mining could be completed and the areas certified safe.

It is quite right for the US government to be concerned about the safety of its citizens and to advise them against taking undue risks. Sri Lanka confined the IDPs to the welfare villages with the same goal in mind. It too was concerned about its citizens, and was not ready to let them risk loss of life and limb.