April 30, 2012 - 4:00 pm

The Embassy has received reports of various “May Day” rallies scheduled to take place in Colombo on May 1, 2012.  Note that major roads are likely to be congested between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.  Expect long delays if commuting in and around Colombo.  Please monitor local media for reports of “May Day” rallies and their respective locations, and remain aware of your surroundings at all times. 

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

April 26, 2012 - 3:30 pm

Protestors marching towards Temple Trees.  Police have temporarily closed Galle Road near Colpitty Junction. Traffic congestion expected.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

March 31, 2012 - 6:30 pm

The Embassy has received reports of a large political rally taking place now in Kandy town. Expect heavy traffic congestion and avoid the area.

Spontaneous demonstrations and rallies take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations and rallies intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and rallies and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any such event.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

March 20, 2012 - 4:00 pm

The Embassy has received reports of a planned rally starting at 4:00 p.m. in front of the “Nelum Pokuna” theater near the Horton Place roundabout. Expect heavy traffic congestion in the area.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

March 20, 2012 - 10:00 am

The Embassy has received reports of a planned protest involving 1500 participants today starting at 10:00 am from Campbell Park (near Borella Junction) which will move along Baseline Road to the Colombo General Cemetery Junction and then to the BMICH. Expect heavy traffic congestion along the marching route.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

March 19, 2012 - 2:15 pm

The Embassy has received reports of a planned rally/prayer session involving 2000 participants today from 3:00 pm in Victoria Park, Colombo 7. Expect heavy traffic congestion.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

March 13, 2012 - 12:15 pm

The Embassy has received reports of a planned protest today from 3:00 pm to 6:15 pm in the Hyde Park area of Colombo 2. Expect heavy traffic congestion.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

March 5, 2012 at 2:00 pm

The Embassy has received reports of three planned protests. Two smaller protests, with roughly 100 demonstrators each, will take place in front of the Sri Lanka Telecom Office on Lotus Road in the Fort and in front of the Bank of Ceylon Tower, next to the World Trade Center, in Colombo 1.

The third and largest protest rally is expected to commence at 3:00pm in front of the Fort Railway Station. Expect heavy traffic congestion.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

March 2, 2012 at 10:30 am

The Embassy has received reports of a planned protest starting from the Jummah Mosque behind Town Hall (Opposite Odel) at 1:15pm which will march to the United Nations Headquarters at Thunmulla Junction.  Expect heavy traffic congestion.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

February 29, 2012 at 11:30 pm

The Embassy has received reports of a planned protest by about 300 – 400 demonstrators opposite the Health Ministry (near Odel) on Ven. Baddegama Wimalawansahimi Mawatha (formerly Dean’s Road) between 12:00pm and 1:00pm today.  Expect heavy traffic congestion.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

January 9, 2012 at 4:00pm

The Embassy has received reports of a gathering of about 1000 protesters who are expected to march from Hyde Park, passing Town Hall, to the opposite side of the Vihara Maha Devi Park near the Public Library. Expect heavy traffic congestion and police presence.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

January 5, 2012 at 12:00pm

The Embassy has received reports of an ongoing protest marching from Lipton Circle, near Odel to Temple Trees, near the U.S. Embassy. There is a heavy police presence and traffic congestion in the Colombo 3 and 7 areas.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

December 20, 2011 at 1:45 pm

The Embassy has received reports of a protest underway at the Colombo Fort Railway.

There is a heavy riot police presence on account of the protest. Expect heavy traffic congestion in the area.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times. 

December 14, 2011 at 4:30 pm

The Embassy has received reports of about 2000 protesters currently marching from Campbell Park, Colombo 8, to the Colombo Fort Railway Station via Maradana Junction and Technical Junction.

There is a heavy police presence on account of the protest. Expect heavy traffic congestion.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

December 13, 2011 at 1:30 pm

The Embassy has received reports of two protests scheduled for this afternoon. The first is of about 300 – 400 protesters currently gathered at Aloe Avenue Colombo 3 who are expected to march to Temple Trees. The second protest will have about 1,000 demonstrators who will assemble at the Lipton Circle (near Odel’s) at 1:30 pm and march to Hyde Park.

There is a heavy police presence on account of both protests. Expect heavy traffic congestion.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

December 12, 2011 at 2:45 pm

The Embassy has received reports of a protest planned to start at 3:00 pm at the Fort Railway Station. A heavy anti-riot police presence is reported in the area.

Americans are advised to avoid the Fort Railway and its vicinity until the protest has concluded.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

December 8, 2011 at 1:45 pm

The Embassy has received reports of a protest of about 1000 students marching from the National Museum, Colombo 7 to the University Grants Commission on Ward Place, near Odel.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

December 7, 2011 at 11:45 pm

The Embassy has received reports of two planned demonstrations. The first is scheduled for 12:00 pm at the Lipton Circle, near Odel. The second is scheduled to start marching at 11:00 am from the Sri Jayewardenepura University, Nugegoda and it is expected to reach the Lipton Circle about 1:00 pm.

Heavy traffic congestion is expected along the march route and at Lipton Circle.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

December 6, 2011 at 1:45 pm

The Embassy has received reports of a demonstration underway in Colombo 13 near Jampettah Street with the participants burning tires and blocking the road.  

Americans are advised to avoid the area.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

December 1, 2011 at 1:30 pm

The Embassy has received reports of a demonstration of about 500 protesters marching from Lipton Circle, Colombo 7 to via Sir James Peiris Mawatha to the Presidential Secretariat in Fort, Colombo 1 (near Hilton Hotel).

Americans are advised to avoid the areas.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times. 

November 28, 2011 at 1:45 pm

Demonstration Notice – November 28, 2011 at 1:45pm

The Embassy has received reports of three possible demonstrations starting around 2:00pm. They are expected to start from Rajagiriya, Maradana and the entrance to Vihara Maha Devi Park and will march to Hyde Park, Colombo 2.

Americans are advised to avoid the areas.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

November 22, 2011 at 10:00 am

The Embassy has received reports of two possible demonstrations. The first is to be held in front of the University Grants Commission (next to Odel, Colombo 7) from about 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The second demonstration is to be held near the Public Library on Green Path from about 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

November 9, 2011 at 10:00am

The Embassy has received information that large protests may take place around noon in the vicinity of Lipton Circus near Town Hall.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

October 20, 2011 at 11:00 am

The Embassy has been informed of an ongoing protest at Hyde Park which is moving to the Lipton Circus. The protesters are expected to march from the Lipton Circus along Union Place through Slave Island and near the Hilton Hotel to the presidential Secretariat. Expect heavy traffic congestion.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

October 20, 2011 at 9:30 am

A small protest will march from Galle Road near the American Center south to Duplication Road. Expect traffic congestion.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

September 2, 2011 at 10:15 am

About 8000 people are expected to march from several locations in Colombo to Temple Trees, Colombo 3 at about 12:00p.m. today. Expect heavy traffic congestion, especially along Green Path, Dharmapala Mawatha, St. Michael’s Road and the Liberty circle areas.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

August 17, 2011 at 3:00 pm

The Embassy has received reports of an ongoing demonstration of about a 1000 people at Victoria Park, near Odel, Colombo – 7. Expect heavy traffic congestion and police presence.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

June 29, 2011 at 1:45 pm

The Embassy has been informed that a group is planning a protest in front of the U.S. Embassy at approximately 2:00 pm today. If the protest does occur the Embassy will be locked down until the protest is over. All Americans are advised to avoid visiting the Embassy today. If you have an urgent requirement for citizen services please call 011-249-8686 to schedule an appointment for Thursday, June 30th.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

June 9, 2011 at 4:45 pm

The Embassy has received reports of about 2000 protesters attemting to march from the Maradana Junction to the Lipton Circle in Town Hall. Currently the protest is peaceful. Heavy traffic congestion and police present. The Police Anti-Riot Squad is in position in these areas. Please avoid the Maradana and Town Hall areas at this time.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

June 1, 2011 at 1:45 pm

The Embassy has received reports of about 2000 people protesting outside the Fort Railway Station.  U.S. Embassy employees have been advised to avoid the area.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Sri Lanka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and this website and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

 Previous Demonstration Notices:

• Demonstration Notice - May 12, 2011
• Demonstration Notice - May 5, 2011
• Demonstration Notice - May 3, 2011
• Demonstration Notice - April 26, 2011
• Demonstration Notice - March 30, 2011
• Demonstration Notice - March 1, 2011
• Demonstration Notice - February 24, 2011 at 3:30 pm
• Demonstration Notice - February 24, 2011 at 10:00 am
• Demonstration Notice - February 9, 2011
• Demonstration Notice - February 1, 2011
• Demonstration Notice - January 27, 2011
• Demonstration Notice - December 3, 2010
• Demonstration Notice - November 18, 2010
• Demonstration Notice - November 2, 2010