US Embassy lifts travel restrictions for Arugam Bay

Thursday, 14 November 2024 02:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The US Embassy in Colombo yesterday lifted the travel restrictions for Arugam Bay, initially issued on 23 October.

Despite the advisory being eased, the Embassy urges US nationals in Sri Lanka to stay informed and exercise caution.

In its notice, the Embassy advised US citizens to maintain vigilance, remain aware of their surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to local authorities by dialling 119. Travellers are also encouraged to keep a reliable form of communication, such as a cell phone on hand, at all times and to monitor local media for updates.

On 23 October, the US Embassy in Colombo issued a travel advisory, urging American citizens to avoid the eastern coastal town, Arugam Bay, citing ‘credible information about a possible attack.’

The move was swiftly followed by other countries, such as the UK, Australia, Russia, Canada, Israel, and New Zealand advising their citizens to avoid the area or exercise extreme caution.

On 28 October, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J. Chung also clarified that the security alert issued by the Embassy does not include a travel ban, but instead a targeted advisory cautioning its citizens to avoid the Arugam Bay area till further notice.

She emphasised the importance of transparency and collaboration between the US Embassy and Sri Lankan authorities, noting that the advisory was issued as part of the Embassy’s ‘duty to warn’ policy, which requires that credible security threats be communicated to both US citizens and local officials.