In response to warnings from the United States and Israel of potential terrorist attacks on tourists, Sri Lanka has tightened security measures in popular tourist destinations like Arugam Bay and coastal resorts in the south and west. Both nations issued advisories urging citizens to avoid or leave these regions due to “credible threats.” The US Embassy’s advisory highlighted Arugam Bay, a well-known surfing area on Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast, while Israel’s National Security Council raised its travel alert level, urging Israelis to avoid the south and west coastal areas, citing specific concerns for tourist safety.
The heightened alerts come at a crucial time for Sri Lanka, which has been working to rebuild its tourism sector after setbacks from the 2019 Easter bombings, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic crises. Although the exact nature of the threat has not been publicly disclosed, the US State Department’s updated advisory notes that American citizens should avoid locations where foreign tourists congregate, underscoring the risk to travelers.
In a recent statement, a Sri Lankan government official acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating that security personnel had been deployed to reinforce safety in these areas. “We are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both our citizens and foreign tourists,” the official assured, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment.
In addition, Sri Lanka’s police and military are actively monitoring suspicious activities, and local authorities have reportedly set up checkpoints around key tourist areas. However, specific details of the security measures remain undisclosed, likely for operational reasons.
With concerns over tourist safety rising, these advisories signal potential shifts in travel patterns in the region, affecting Sri Lanka’s tourism economy, which had only recently started to recover. Meanwhile, the US and Israel continue to advise caution to their citizens traveling to Sri Lanka until further notice.
(Input from Agencies)
