India seeks clarification on travel restrictions to the north

India is seeking further clarifications from the Sri Lanka Government on its decision to restrict foreigners from traveling to the north, in view of its impact on its citizens involved in projects in the north, a spokesperson for the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.

Spokesperson for the Indian High Commission Esha Srivasta- va told the Sunday Times that its mission is in touch with the government to clarify how these regulations, which came into effect two weeks ago, will affect their staff in the Indian Consulate in Jaffna and workers engaged in the Indian Housing Project.

“We got the information officially this week. So we are still trying to figure out the modalities of the regulation," she said.

According to the new regulations, foreigners will have to get prior clearance from the Defense Ministry, if they want to visit the north.

However, over 200 Indian workers engaged in maintenance of the Northern Railway Line, carried out by India Railway Construction International Ltd. (IRCON), have already been given clearance to visit the North.

“We have already obtained clearance from the Defence Ministry for our workers. We will remain here for the next three months. There will be no problem for us,” explained IRCON General Manager, S.L. Gupta.