Police respond to potential threats to tourists in Arugam Bay

Colombo, Oct 23 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Police addressed the situation in the Arugam Bay area following the US Embassy in Colombo's travel advisory for its citizens.

The Embassy had imposed a travel restriction on its personnel to Arugam Bay until further notice after receiving information about a potential attack targeting popular tourist locations in the area.

Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that several reports had been received in the past few days regarding potential threats to Israeli tourists in the area.

He said that the Arugam Bay and Pothuvil areas have been popular among Israeli tourists, particularly due to surfing events. As a result, a dedicated building was established in the Arugam Bay area by Israeli tourists.

According to the Tourism Development Authority, out of the 1.48 million tourists who have visited Sri Lanka so far this year, about 20,000, or 1.35%, were from Israel.

The Police Spokesman said that considering the potential threats to tourists in the area, the Senior DIG of the Eastern Province has implemented preliminary measures to prevent any incidents.

Police have set up roadblocks and conducted vehicle checks in the area over the past few days. Currently, special joint security measures are being enforced by the Police, Special Task Force (STF), and the tri-forces.

DIG Thalduwa emphasised that when police receive such information, they take action based on its credibility.