Sri Lanka insists it is a safe tourism destination

Sri Lankan Tourism officials are insisting that their country is open for business and that it is safe.

They issued a statement saying all possible measures have been taken to ensure the safety and security of tourists following the terror attacks on Easter Sunday that killed 253 people and wounded more than 500.

Despite that, I certainly wouldn't be visiting Sri Lanka any time soon.

Just two days ago, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe warned: there are more militants and explosives "out there".

So, who to believe, PM or tourism officials?

The tourism press release reads: "Sri Lanka Tourism is deeply shocked and saddened by the senseless violence and unreservedly condemns these dastardly acts. We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to all the victims and their families, while wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured and currently receiving treatment.

"There is no place for terrorism of any kind in Sri Lanka and whoever that is responsible for the Easter Sunday violence will be hunted down and punished in the strongest possible manner. Sri Lanka Tourism looks forward to warmly welcome all those who have planned trips to the country in the days, weeks and months."

Tourism officials said following the immediate aftermath of the explosions, Sri Lanka Tourism deployed trained emergency response teams and its representatives at hospitals, affected hotels and the airport to assist tourists.

This included arranging hotel transfers, airline bookings, airport transfers, itinerary changes, hospital treatment, contacting their loved ones, and reuniting missing family members through diplomatic channels.

Tourism is worth almost $6 billion to Sri Lanka each year, accounting for almost 5% of the country's annual GDP. More than 800,000 jobs (around 10% of total employment in the country) depend on the sector, directly and indirectly.

The country's tourism industry slumped during the 1983 to 2009 Civil War but had been making a comeback.

The latest US Government travel advisory urges "increased caution".

"Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Sri Lanka," it said. The Australian smarttraveller.gov.au website advised: "reconsider your need to travel".

That is advice worth following in the immediate future.