Sri Lanka – State of Emergency

On 6 March 2018, the Sri Lankan Government declared a nationwide State of Emergency due to incidents of communal unrest. The State of Emergency provides authorities with increased powers to search individuals, impose roadblocks and curfews, and to limit public gatherings. Access to social messaging networks may be restricted. We advise New Zealanders in Sri Lanka to follow the advice and directions of local authorities. Exercise vigilance throughout the country and avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning.