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Australian Tourism department issues travel advisory to cricketers ahead of their trip to Sri Lanka

The Australian Department of Tourism and Trade has issued an advisory to its cricketers for them to reconsider their decision to travel to Sri Lanka in the coming months.


The men's cricket team is scheduled to tour the island nation for a full series consisting of 3 T20Is, 5 ODIs and 2 Test matches in the month of June and July. In addition to this, an 'A tour' is also scheduled.


However, the tour is likely to come into jeopardy as Sri Lanka is currently facing an economic crisis and massive civil unrest.


The debt-ridden island is facing massive shortages of basic amenities and has run out of foreign exchange to buy fuel. Moreover, it's on the verge of defaulting due to its failure to pay the debt.


India has been providing humanitarian aid by sending medicines, petrol, diesel, wheat, rice and other essential items, and line-of-credit.


Civil unrest has intensified in the last month, with angry mobs burning public properties besides attacking Rajapaksa's government-led parliamentarians.


Mahinda Rajapaksa recently stepped down from the PM post. A national curfew has been imposed in the country, with the "ordered" to shoot anyone looting public property or causing harm to life".


The travel advisory has also stated that the tourist contingent could face fuel and other fundamental amenities-related issues apart from the security threat.


"We now advise you reconsider your need to travel to Sri Lanka due to the security situation," the travel advisory states. "Several violent incidents have taken place during large demonstrations. Avoid demonstrations and events that draw large groups. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media for updates," stated the advisory, as quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald.


"A public emergency has been declared in Sri Lanka, and an island-wide curfew imposed. Carry relevant travel and identification documents with you at all times. Public demonstrations continue to occur throughout Sri Lanka. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transport,"


"You may experience disruption to fuel supply and planned, lengthy power outages. Import delays may impact your ability to access some medicines and food items," it added.


The tour is currently on, with Cricket Australia monitoring the developments.


"We continue to monitor the situation in Sri Lanka and are liaising with DFAT and Sri Lanka Cricket," said a CA spokesperson.


Australia will kick start their trip with a three-match T20Is, which will be played in Colombo between 07-11 June. After that, Palekelle and Colombo will host 5 ODIs between June 14-24 before Galle plays hosts to a couple of ICC WTC Tests from June 29 to July 12.

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