Israelis top tourist arrivals in Arugam Bay, but reduced now

• Israelis take a special liking to the Eastern Coast especially, Arugam Bay for its surfer friendly seas and similar climate

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana   

Ruling out any special instructions regarding the US Travel Advisory, the Department of Immigration and Emigration yesterday said Israelis top the highest arrivals of tourists in Arugam Bay in all times, though it was seen much reduced this season.   

A department higher up told the Daily Mirror, Israelis take a special liking to the Eastern Coast especially the Arugam Bay area for its surfer friendly seas and the similar climate and temperatures looking at the particular tourist arrivals in recent times.   

From April every year when the Eastern Coastal tourist season opens until September, tourist arrivals from numerous countries including Europe and the west are seen with Israelis always topping the list.   

When the Eastern tourist season diminishes towards September the Israeli tourists are even seen moving towards the South where the Southern Coastal season emerges, the Immigration sources said.  The official however said unlike in the past they have witnessed a notable reduction in the Israeli tourist arrivals during this season starting from April, which they have arrived at the closest reason being the war going on in the Middle East and the nonstop stormy weather experienced in Sri Lanka.   

Asked whether any instructions related to yesterday’s US Travel Advisory on Arugam Bay was received by the Department of Immigration and Emigration concerning the inflow of foreign tourists, the official said they are yet to receive such from any higher authority.