Govt. assures safety for tourists amid travel warnings

• Public Security and Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath says despite travel warnings tourist arrivals are not hampered
• Asserts travel warnings not outright bans to visit Sri Lanka, but cautionary advisories which will be withdrawn soon
• Calls on tourists to explore the country without fear as heightened security measures are in place
• Reveals potential threat was known to previous regime too 
• Agrees that law should be enforced against tourists who have illegally set up business, overstay their visas 
• Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya says 575 Israel nationals are in Sri Lanka at present 

Public Security and Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday reassured that the travel warnings issued by several countries on Wednesday have not significantly impacted the country’s tourism arrivals.

Speaking at a special press conference alongside Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya and Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa, Herath confirmed that tourists can explore Sri Lanka without fear, as all necessary security measures are in place to ensure their safety.

“Tourist arrivals have not been hampered and we have seen new Israeli tourists arriving in the country as recently as Tuesday,” he said.

Herath asserted that the travel warnings particularly from countries like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand were not outright bans, but cautionary advisories aimed at safeguarding their nationals in specific areas such as Arugam Bay.

“We urge both public and tourists to explore the country without any fear as comprehensive security measures are already in place,” he said, seeking to calm concerns amidst safety threats. 

The Minister added that the warnings are temporary and expressed optimism that they will be withdrawn in the coming days.

He acknowledged that Arugam Bay has been a famous gathering spot for the Israeli tourists, particularly during the month of October, as there is some significant religious importance, which includes meetings in Jewish prayer halls and a concluding feast, drawing large numbers of Israeli visitors.

“We agree that the law should be enforced against tourists who are illegally set up business and overstay their visas,” Herath said.

Acting IGP Weerasooriya said there are 575 Israeli nationals in the country at present.

The Minister explained that the intelligence on potential threat came from foreign sources, but not India, whilst disclosing that this was a threat which the previous administration was also aware of. 

Herath however said that this threat is not unique to Sri Lanka, highlighting that many countries are facing security concerns due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The Minister asserted that in response to the information received, special Police and Tri-Forces were assigned in popular tourist hotspots like Arugam Bay, Bandarawela, Ella, Matara, Weligama, Mirissa and Ahungalla.

He disclosed that security was deployed since the beginning of this month and the information was thoroughly discusses in the National Security Council. 

“Three people have been arrested on suspicion, based on the intel received,” the Minister revealed.

He said that further details about the suspects will not be disclosed, as it could hinder the investigations.

The Minister called on the public not to fall victim to misleading reports and cautioned against exploiting the situation for political gain, reiterating that the Government has taken all necessary measures to ensure safety.