Julie Chung, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, clarified that the US Embassy did not issue a travel ban on Sri Lanka but warned its personnel and citizens to avoid travelling to Arugam Bay after receiving information of a potential attack on tourist hotspots in the area.
Last week, the US Embassy, Russian Embassy, British High Commission and Australian High Commission in Colombo issued travel advisories cautioning its personnel and 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," the notice posted on the US embassy website read.
Addressing reporters in Colombo, Chung said:
“One of my duties as U.S. Ambassador is to ensure the safety and security of American citizens here in Sri Lanka. Globally, all around the world, our U.S. embassies operate under what’s called a 'duty to warn'.” If we become aware of a credible, specific security threat, we are requiredto share that information – with our staff, U.S. citizens, and the host government. Our “no double standard” policy also means that anytime we alert Embassy staff about a specific security concern, we are required to inform U.S. citizens as well. This approach is also standard practice worldwide."
“When we became aware of a specific threat in the Arugam Bay area, we shared these known details with Sri Lankan authorities, who responded quickly. We continue to actively coordinate with them on a daily basis and we value our partnership with Sri Lanka’s leadership and security officials, whose commitment to safety and transparency is notable,” she revealed.
