By Easwaran Rutnam in Adelaide

Australia on Thursday continued to warn of a risk of terror attacks in Sri Lanka despite the US relaxing a similar warning.

In an updated travel advisory issued on Thursday, 14 November, Australians were urged to exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of public demonstrations and security risks.

The latest update also notes that Sri Lanka has scheduled Parliamentary elections for 14 November 2024.

The updated travel advisory notes that there is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka.

It says terrorists may target areas popular with foreigners and tourists, including in regional and coastal towns.

"The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could lead to an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests in other regions," the travel advisory said.

Earlier, Israel relaxed travel warnings issued for parts of  Sri Lanka, including Arugam Bay.

The National Security Council said the threat level is being updated from level 4 (high) in the southwest of the country and level 3 (moderate) in the rest of Sri Lanka, to level 2 (an occasional threat) for the entire country.

The US Embassy in Colombo on Wednesday said it has lifted the travel restrictions issued on October 23, 2024, for Arugam Bay.

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo encourages all U.S. citizens to review the Travel Advisory for Sri Lanka, maintain vigilance, be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity and emergencies to local authorities (119).