Diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka warn 'serious risk' of attack on tourist hot spot

by admin
Oct 23, 2024

The US Embassy, Russian Embassy, British High Commission and Australian High Commission in Colombo have cautioned its personnel and warned its citizens from travelling to Arugam Bay in the East, stating there is "credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area." 

 

The US Embassy, Russian Embassy, British High Commission and Australian High Commission in Colombo have cautioned its personnel and warned its citizens from travelling to Arugam Bay in the East, stating there is "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 notice posted on the US embassy website read.

The US urged its citizens to report all suspicious activities and emergencies to local authorities, to have some form of communication with them, and to monitor local news and media for updates. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka police also issued a notice to all citizens assuring them that precautions were being taken to ensure the safety of tourists visiting Sri Lanka. 

The British High Commission has also mentioned the alert issued by the American Embassy on their website while the Australian High Commission has also mentioned the same. 

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's police spokesperson DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that special security plans were being implemented given the warnings that have been issued.

"There is a particular spot that is frequented by Israelis," said Thalduwa.

"It has been identified that they frequent Arugam Bay and Pottuvil for the purpose of surfing. During the last few days, there has been some intelligence that these individuals could be in some danger. The police officer in charge of the division has already initiated plans. There have been roadblocks placed and inspections conducted, including the inspection of vehicles. From today, we have stepped up security, with the Air Force, Navy, and Army involved, along with the intelligence agency." 

The police also stated that the plans were being implemented with assistance from the State Intelligence Services (SIS) on the instructions of the Ministry of Defence and Public Security. 

Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya is set to issue directives to all police stations in the area. Tourists have been asked to reach the police on the 1997 hotline in case of any emergency.

This is the first time in many months that the US Embassy has issued an alert on Sri Lanka. In the recent past, their alerts were limited to demonstrations while others were election-related. 

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