🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Tourism Assures Safety for All Visitors

“The highest levels of safety and security will be maintained for all visitors throughout their stay in Sri Lanka,” - Sri Lanka Tourism

Yesterday, the US Embassy in Sri Lanka issued a travel alert advising its citizens not to visit the Arugam Bay area due to a possible terror attack targeting tourists.

⭕ Arugam Bay is one of the most picturesque surfing beaches in the world, located on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka.

The surge in Israeli tourists and the occupation of a building in the Arugam Bay area, along with information on a possible terror attack targeting Israelis, prompted the US Embassy in Colombo to issue this travel advisory. - Sri Lanka Police

⭕ Israel’s Security Council, also urge its citizens to take precautions, including hiding their Jewish identity and avoiding large gatherings.

⭕ Since last year, locals in Weligama, Mirissa, and Arugam Bay have voiced concerns about Israeli, Russian, and Ukrainian nationals overstaying visas and running illegal businesses.

⭕ Reports suggest some of these foreign nationals have threatened locals and restricted access to their businesses, escalating local tensions.

⭕ Many of these settlers, including Russians and Ukrainians, have fled the war in their home countries to avoid potential military drafts, settling in countries like Sri Lanka.

⭕ Sri Lanka's government has failed to enforce immigration laws since 2022, allowing this issue to grow into a significant security threat.

⭕ From an economic standpoint, these businesses contribute little to Sri Lanka’s economy, as most transactions related to services they obtain here among the accounts in the settlers' home countries.

⭕ Sri Lankan police, STF, and armed forces have increased patrols in Arugam Bay following intelligence alerts to ensure tourist safety.

⭕ A special hotline, 1997, has been launched for immediate tourist assistance.

⭕ The government assures that measures are in place to prevent any incidents during the tourist season.

#SriLanka #Tourism #Security #Israel