Courtesy Adaderana

The United Kingdom (UK) has updated its travel advice for Sri Lanka based on the latest travel alert issued by the U.S. Embassy regarding potential threats in the Arugam Bay area.

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo today issued a security alert for American citizens in Sri Lanka strongly advising them to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice, citing credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area.

The Embassy says it has received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area. 

Due to the serious risk posed by this threat, the Embassy imposed a travel restriction on Embassy personnel for Arugam Bay effective immediately and until further notice.”

U.S. citizens are strongly urged to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice,” the security alert said.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Police had announced special measures to bolster security in the Arugam Bay area following information received regarding potential threats to tourists in the area.

It is reported that around 500 police officers and Special Task Force (STF) personnel have been deployed to enhance the security of the Arugam Bay tourist area.

Intelligence agencies and other security forces are also focusing on strengthening security in the region, the police spokesman said. 

Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa clarified that Israelis frequent the Arugam Bay and Pottuvil areas due to popular surfing locations in those areas, and that recent information received has indicated a possible threat targeting them.

He further emphasized that no intelligence reports have been received regarding such threats in Colombo or any other areas of the country thus far, and therefore urged the public not to have any undue fears.

In the Arugam Bay area, there is a building established by the Israelis, a hall-like structure. Israelis are often attracted to both Pottuvil and Arugam Bay, especially because of surfing. They love that area, which is why they have set up a special place there,” said the Police Media Spokesman.

He indicated that recent information suggested a potential danger to Israelis in the area. In response, the Senior DIG in charge of the province has initiated necessary preliminary measures, which involve securing the area by deploying roadblocks and periodically conducting checks on vehicles and individuals.