Aerial view of the lagoon in Jaffna Photo : Alamy
New curbs on travels to North: foreigners to apply via online or fax
October 31, 2014 02:20 pm
The foreign passport holders who wish to travel to the North can submit their applications through fax or online in order to obtain prior approval, the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development (MoDUD) says.
Sri Lanka Army on 15 October announced that foreign passport holders who wish to visit the North will have to obtain prior clearance from the MoDUD. According to army spokesperson Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya, the curb was applicable to all foreign passport holders, including journalists.
The foreigners traveling to following areas will have to obtain prior approval.
• Jaffna District
• Kilinochchi District
• Mulaithivu District
• Mannar District (only areas north of Vidattaltivu)
• Vavuniya District (only areas north of Omanthai)
The applications can be submitted for approval via the Fax number +94112328109 or email it to - modclearance@yahoo.com.
According to the MoDUD, the following details are required to be submitted too.
1. Name
2. Passport Number
3. Intended date of travel
4. Intended date of return
5. Purpose
6. Mode of travel (Air/Rail/Public transport/Private vehicle)
7. Vehicle registration (only if private vehicle)
8. Name of the driver (only if private vehicle)
9. Whether multiple entries be required during the stipulated period
As of now requests up to three months considered for multiple entry. In order to facilitate ongoing projects and investments it is proposed to send such applications, where necessary, through relevant agencies such as BOI, the Ministry says.
A statement issued by the Defence Ministry said foreign nationals were requested to take prior permission before travelling to the North in the interest of “national security.”
“Conscious of its duty towards maintaining national security and creating necessary conditions for national processes, the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development requests foreign nationals to obtain prior approval when they intend travelling to the North,” the statement said.
