Foreign Affairs Ministry reiterates Sri Lanka is ‘peaceful, beautiful and friendly’ for tourists

Thursday, 14 November 2024 02:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday reiterated that Sri Lanka is a peaceful, beautiful, and friendly destination for tourists ahead of the upcoming tourist season.

The reassurance follows the US yesterday lifting the security alert on the Arugam Bay area.

This was after close collaboration with the Sri Lankan side and the immediate and extensive security measures put in place by the Defence Ministry, the Public Security Ministry, and related agencies, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

“Sri Lanka takes any security alert seriously, and accordingly, the Sri Lankan authorities promptly implemented a series of coordinated security measures in the area to safeguard tourists, foreigners, and residents against any possible threat,” the statement added.

It said detailed instructions were given by Sri Lanka Police to maintain security in the Arugam Bay area while emphasising the importance of safeguarding the freedom of tourists. The residents of the concerned areas, as well as owners of tourist establishments and all persons engaged in the field of tourism, cooperated closely with the Sri Lanka Police in these efforts.

At a meeting held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, together with all related defence and public security agencies, briefed the Heads of Diplomatic Missions directly concerned regarding the extensive measures by the Sri Lankan side, and urged the removal of the security alert and related travel advisories. This request was reiterated by Foreign Minister Herath yesterday.

The US side rescinded the security alert, stating that the US values the “strong partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka and law enforcement.”