In the United Kingdom, the Home Office Victims of Terrorism Unit have developed an information pack, which outlines the support available to people who have been affected by the Sri Lanka terror attacks.
All Local Resilience Forums across the country have been asked to share these information packs in their local areas to support those affected should people present.
What is the nature of the attack?
On the 21st of April 2019, six explosions (three in churches and three in hotels frequented by foreign visitors) occurred in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa in Sri Lanka. The official death toll is 253 (although this figure may rise), with around 500 reported casualties.
On the 26th of April 2019, the UK Government updated Travel Advice advising against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka, excluding flights transiting Colombo airport (providing passengers remained airside). This advice remains in place as of 10th May 2019 when this pack was distributed.
What support has been provided so far in the UK?
UK Police Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) have deployed and are working with deceased victims’ next of kin. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) set up their Crisis Response Hub to coordinate effective short-term response to the attacks but have since moved out of this. Provisions were made at key UK re-entry points for the return of British victims and this process has now been completed.
To get more information and to access the information pack, please click here.