This week, warnings from the United States and Israel have brought attention to a potential threat in coastal Sri Lanka, a popular tourist destination. Authorities from the U.S. Embassy revealed that they had received credible signals indicating a possible attack targeting tourist hotspots, with a particular focus on the well-frequented Arugam Bay area. Given the severity of the situation, they have imposed temporary travel restrictions for embassy personnel to this region. The advice strongly suggests American citizens should avoid traveling to Arugam Bay until further notice.
Simultaneously, Israel has raised the alert level for Sri Lanka due to terrorism threats concerning key tourist regions. Their National Security Council urges Israeli citizens to vacate Arugam Bay, alongside southern and western coastal areas immediately, which include the towns of Ahangama, Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Weligama. Highlighting the urgency, the alert level has been escalated to its highest.
Tourists currently in these areas are advised to seek safer locations, potentially moving to Colombo, where local security efforts are more concentrated. Israeli tourists have also been advised to refrain from visible indications of their nationality or religion during their stay in Sri Lanka.
While these warnings emphasize caution and safety, they lack specific details on the nature of the potential threats. This follows a period of relative calm in Sri Lanka since the tragic Easter 2019 attacks, when coordinated bombings resulted in hundreds of casualties. Such measures aim to prevent any recurrence of violence and ensure the safety of travelers.
