US orders evacuations from Sri Lanka owing to terrorism

The US Department of State has ordered the departure of all school-age family members of U.S. government employees in Kindergarten through 12thgrade based in Sri Lanka.

The Department also authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members.

The US State Department said that terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Sri Lanka.

“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,” the State Department said.

The U.S. government says it has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Sri Lanka due to the security environment.