Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Jun 25 : "We may have suffered a very terrible attack, but that does not change the fact that we are still a paradise," Jacqueline Fernandez said while promoting Sri Lanka tourism after the country was rocked by serial blasts in April.
In April, multiple locations across the country, which happens to be Jacqueline's homeland, were bombed by terrorists. At least 250 people lost their lives while over 500 were injured in the attacks which were widely condemned.
On Monday, during an event directed towards promoting tourism in the country, Jacqueline urged people to visit Sri Lanka and stated that the country is absolutely safe to go to.
"Sri Lanka is my homeland. I have spent some of my most beautiful and fondest memories and holidays over there. Sri Lanka is absolutely safe to go back to right now. And we really would love your continued support for Sri Lanka" she said.
Sharing some of her own beautiful memories from her country, the actor said, "I can reminisce about times when we have showered under the waterfall or gone on the most beautiful wildlife safaris. We have taken late night rides in Colombo eaten the most delicious Sri Lankan food."
Talking about how the country's tourism has significantly dropped post the Easter Sunday attacks she said, "For the longest time Sri Lanka has been the number one tourist destination. And we are also proud to say that India has been sending the largest number of tourists. It is saddening to see that because of the terrorist attack that had taken place, our numbers have dropped," she added.
While encouraging people to visit her homeland, she claimed that the country has "completely dismantled the entire network of terrorists" and is making sure that the security remains on point.
Sri Lanka on Saturday extended the state of emergency by another one month considering the prevailing security situation in the country in the wake of the attacks. The emergency was imposed in April.
Over 100 people, including 10 women, are in custody in connection with Easter attacks that targetted three luxury hotels and three churches across the country.