Warden Messages

Warden Message - 01 October 2007

On September 29, a small improvised explosive device exploded in Sultan Park in Male’, the capital of the Republic of the Maldives.  Although there were no fatalities, twelve foreign tourists were injured, two seriously.  The investigation is still in its early stages; no conclusions have been drawn yet about the motives or affiliations of the bombers.  The Maldivian government has arrested several suspects in the case, and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation’s regional representative is currently assisting the Maldivian authorities in their investigation.

Please note: the international airport is not located on the capital island of Male’, nor are tourist resorts.  As always, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.  Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations or large gatherings as some demonstrations in Male’ and other non-resort islands have turned violent in the past. 

For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov. Americans living or traveling in the Maldives are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo is located at 210 Galle Road.  The telephone number is 249-8500.  The number for after-hours emergencies is 249-8888.  The fax number is 249-8501.  The Consulate’s e-mail address is consularcolombo@state.gov and its internet web page is http://usembassy.state.gov/srilanka. U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s latest consular information sheet for the Maldives and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, both available at http://travel.state.gov.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

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Consular Message - June 7, 2007

Dear American Citizen,

Over the past year, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy has offered the option for Americans to receive condensed warden notices via text (SMS) messages to their mobile phones. We have received many positive comments on the convenience of receiving important warden message via these SMS alerts and so the Consular section has decided to expand our services to accommodate all users who would like to receive text message alerts. Beginning now, the SMS alert program is available to all mobile users in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, regardless of their mobile phone network.

The Consular Section will use SMS alert program only for urgent and time-sensitive warden messages regarding possible issues that affect the safety or security of members of the American community. The SMS alerts will consist of one text message of 160 characters and will come from a number labeled "US Embassy." Full-length warden messages will continue to be sent via email and posted on the Consular section website at http://colombo.usembassy.gov

Action Requested:If you own a mobile phone and wish to have urgent SMS notification from the Consular Section, provide us with the following information:

Your full name

The number of your mobile phone

Please reply to this message with the above mentioned information so that we may add you to our SMS alert program. If you have received text messages in the past, we still require you to respond to this email with your information because we are compiling a new, updated database.

Please note that while the Consular Section will be adding all your names to the list, we would like you to assist us in improving the safety and security of fellow American Citizens by distributing our SMS alerts to other American Citizens whom you know are present in the island but may not be registered with the Consular Section or may not be on any mobile network.

The Consular Section of the American Embassy encourages all American Citizens to participate and encourages any feedback regarding this program.

Best Regards,

American Citizen Services Unit
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy Colombo

• List of the all previous warden messages