According to the announcement of the National Security Council the warning applies to the Arugam Bay area and beaches in southern and western Sri Lanka. The agency issued the warning citing information about the terrorist threat affecting tourist areas and beaches.
Although the exact nature of the threat was not specified, the council also urged Israelis in other parts of Sri Lanka to exercise caution and avoid large public gatherings.
The statement emphasized that the Israeli security agencies are in close contact with the Sri Lankan authorities and are constantly monitoring the development of the situation.
The US Embassy in Sri Lanka has also issued a security alert.
We have received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist sites in the Arugam Bay area
– the embassy announced, urging American citizens to avoid the area until further notice.
Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also joined the warning, asking travelers to avoid or leave the affected area as soon as possible, citing possible attacks on tourist destinations.
Local authorities responded to the threat. Police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa confirmed in a video statement released in Colombo that security measures had been stepped up in the area. “This area is a popular place for surfing and this has attracted a large number of Israeli tourists. We are working to ensure they are safe,” Thalduwa said.
Sri Lanka, famous for its pristine beaches, tea plantations and historic temples, has recently begun to recover from a severe financial crisis. In the first eight months of this year, 1.5 million tourists arrived in the country, including 20,515 Israeli citizens.
Source: Reuters
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