The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has lifted its ban on non-essential travel to Sri Lanka.

The FCDO changed its advice this morning but is still warning travellers to be alert and said: “It is more important than ever to get appropriate travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover.”

UK operators had hoped a change was on the cards after France softened its Sri Lanka travel warning earlier this week.

But this morning’s update from the FCDO came too late for TUI, which yesterday updated its travel information to say cancellations to Sri Lanka would continue until 11 September.

The FCDO first advised against travel to Sri Lanka in mid-May, then lifted the ban on 10 June, only to reinstate it in early July.

A state of emergency is still in place in the country and is due to expire on 27 August but the FCDO warned: “Protests, demonstrations, roadblocks and violent unrest could occur at short notice.

“Curfews and emergency regulations may also be imposed.”