The Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence (MOD) has lifted travel restrictions on foreign travelers to the war ravaged North. The Ministry’s website said that foreign passport holders including journalists are no longer required to produce a pre travel document granting MOD approval at the Omanthai entry / exit point, the main travel check point located in Vavuniya. Foreign travelers and journalists were previously required to get permission from the MOD before travelling to the northern districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, and Vavuniya. Director General of the Media Centre National security Mr Lakshman Hulugalle said that due to the prevailing conflict situation in the north and east, restrictions had to be imposed. However, international and local non governmental organizations would still require permission to work in the former battle zones, Hulugalle stressed. Srilankan forces defeated the LTTE in May 2009, ending the three decades old armed struggle in the North and East of Sri Lanka.