25.6.2008

US embassy in Colombo in a press release announced today that it has been temporary closed to public after detection of suspicious powder at is premises this morning (June 25)
Following is the press releases in full:
U.S. Embassy Temporarily Closed to Public for Routine Services; American Center Open

Colombo June 25, 2008: At approximately 11:00 am on June 25, 2008, a suspicious powder was discovered at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. The suspicious substance will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Until the results are received and a determination is made that the substance does not pose health or safety risks, the Embassy will be closed to the public. All visa appointments and routine American citizen services will be postponed until this incident is resolved.

The Embassy's consular section will remain available to provide emergency services to American citizens during the closure. If you are an American citizen and need emergency assistance please call +94-11-249-8686 during regular business hours, or +94-11-249-8500 after hours and ask for the duty officer. Please note that the American Center, located at 44 Galle Road, Colombo 3, has not been affected by this incident and will remain open for business.