No decline in tourist arrivals at Arugam Bay - Residents

• Ampara Division SP  said special security arrangements would prevail in the area

By Palitha Ariyawansa   

Residents of the area and those engaging in tourism in Arugam Bay tourist zone point out that there is no unusual decline in foreign tourist arrivals in the area but there is a decline since this is off season.  

They said that despite a few Israeli tourists having left the area following the travel advisory a heavy influx of local tourists was being experienced at present, despite it being the off season.   

The recent information gathering momentum on a possible terrorist attack in the Arugam Bay tourist zone has not affected civilian life in the area.   

They pointed out that the fisheries industry in the area was back to normal. A tourist hotel owner K.H.Chandrasena alias “ Sudumahattaya” said tourism was flourishing in the area after a long interval following the Easter Sunday attack and the COVID pandemic. He said now it was the off season for tourism in the area and that hotel facilities were available for tourists at reasonable rates.   

Meanwhile, Ampara Division SP J.H.M.N. Jayapathma said special security arrangements would prevail in the area.