Traveling to NORTHERN Sri Lanka
 

I'd appreciate views on travel to the north of Sri Lanka in the nearish future. I noted recent footage of a Catholic pilgrimage to the north for the first time in 31 years so I guess stuff is opening up. .

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_0...0360811CH.html
[and many others]

Yes, I'm working on the assumption that the war is over. I'm aware that there are 'certain sensitivities' involved. But, without appearing overly cynical, I did observe an extremely rapid recovery post-Tsunami, so I'd rather assume that plans are being made as we speak.

Mohammed? Anybody else in Sri Lanka? What is the latest on the National Parks? Is Wilpattu open again? [I was the last foreigner there before the bombing and subsequent closure] How far up the East and West coast can I go? Any word from the tourist sector about opening it up?

I'm in no state for controversy right now: I just want to know the latest, the predictions - and, of course, your thoughts on the ethics of post-trauma tourism.

Hi Doggie, just an hello- is this the plan instead of, or in addition to Pandaw if you make September.

Personally I don't have a problem with your post-trauma tourism - after all someone has to start it up again and if its not our intrepid dog then who would? Hopefully lots of replies for you soon so you can spend the latter part of this week in quiet planing. Hope all goes well on Wednesday - will be thinking of you.

I've had to blow out September. I sent the e-mail just today. Quite reasonably, they want 100% payment now. So I've re-booked for March. No alternative. I'm in good headspace for Wednesday...

I've been to Sri Lanka three times. As soon as the North opens up I'll go back. This is first toe in the water.

Sigh. What an Onan I am.

What is an Onan? heh. A prize for the first to translate Doglish into common parlance...

I forgot to say:

'Thank you MaryW for your kindness and good thoughts. Big smooch to you and Kanga from Dog.'

Thanks for smooch. Nothing like a dog smooch. I've had a nice smoochy dog staying for a few days, just a pity it brought its humans with it.

Shame about the trip but at least March should see you up and really running again. Plenty of time to plan for Sri Lanka. Will you tack it on before or after the cruise - after will be right back into that really hot bit won't it! Good if you could be there in a slightly nicer time for the weather. I'm sure Tangata will miss you in September - he will have to lead himself astray.

Re "Onan". Here's an interesting interpretation on the meaning of the word: http://www.odps.org/glossword/index....erm&d=8&t=9211

Of course the Dog could be refering to himself as a diesel generator but I think thats less likely.

Travelling to the North of Sri Lanka is possible only upto Medawachiya, beyond that point it requires a permit from the Ministry of Defense. It is possible to get permits and travel but it is not exactly easy. I know several people including many foreign visitors too have obtained permits and traveled up north mainly to assist the war victims. A close pal of mine who is a catholic just went to the madhu church near Mannar last week. If your purpose of travel is to go to the Madhu church you could work through a church in Colombo to get the permit. If your going to assist the IDP's etc then you need to go through a recognised NGO. General sight seeing and tourism is not yet possible.

The East Coast is wide open from and beautiful from Trinco/Nilaveli all the way down tp the South.

As for the national parks, most are open and normal except for Wilpatthu which is expected open by early next year.

Thank you so much Mohammed. That's exactly the info I needed.

St. Andrew's Scots Kirk in Colombo has been seeking permission for volunteers to make a visit to camps for IDPs in the north. You might contact the pastor, the Rev. John PS Purves, through www.internationalchurchcolombo.info for the latest details. Tell him that a recent Sunday congregant gave you the tip. ZZ

Sri Lanka is on our list of places we want to return to - soon. I'll be interested in your experience, Dogster and the experiences of others.