The High Commission of Canada in Sri Lanka confirms that 33 Canadian nationals, including 15 young children, arrived safely in Colombo today. The Canadians, along with over 100 other foreign nationals, left the northern town of Jaffna by ferry boat on Saturday and proceeded by bus from Trincomalee this morning with the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Fighting broke out between the Sri Lankan government's Security Forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Jaffna District on August 11 and in Trincomalee District in late July. [more background on the ongoing conflict]

Some 60 Canadians remain in Jaffna. The High Commission continues to work with the ICRC to secure safe passage out of Jaffna for all Canadians who wish to leave. Canadian consular staff ensured medical treatment was available, provided assistance in finding accommodations and onward transportation, and offered other consular assistance as needed.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) issued a travel warning in April advising against all travel to the north and east of Sri Lanka, and in August advised those already there to leave while possible. DFAIT advises against non-essential travel to Sri Lanka.