The U.S. government has elevated Sri Lanka's travel advisory to Level 3, recommending Americans "reconsider travel" to the county due to the threat of terrorism.
"Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Sri Lanka," the advisory said. "Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, hospitals and other public areas."
In the days after the April 21 attack targeting churches and hotels around the country, the State Department had only raised Sri Lanka's travel advisory to Level 2, "exercise increased caution," from Level 1, "exercise normal precautions." Sri Lanka joins El Salvador, Pakistan and Turkey as countries receiving the Level 3 designation.
On April 26, the State Department also ordered the departure of all family members of U.S. government employees in kindergarten through 12th grade and the voluntary departure of nonemergency U.S. government employees and family members.
Correction: The April 21 attack targeted churches and hotels around the country; a previous version of this article contained incorrect information.