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A tourist couple enjoying their time in Colombo yesterday - Pic by Pradeep Pathirana
By Charumini de Silva
Several key tourist markets, including the US, UK, Australia, Russia, Canada, Israel, and New Zealand yesterday issued travel warnings for Sri Lanka following reports of potential threats to international travellers, particularly in the eastern, southern, and western coastal cities.
Interestingly, six of these countries, except for New Zealand, are among the top 20 source markets, which have collectively contributed to 28.2% of total arrivals so far in 2024.
The move came after the US Embassy in Colombo yesterday warned its nationals about a possible attack in Arugam Bay, a popular surfing destination on the eastern coast of the island nation.
The US travel advisory was swiftly followed by other countries, advising their citizens to avoid the area or exercise extreme caution.
Sri Lanka Police highlighted concerns related to the influx of Israeli tourists in Arugam Bay and nearby Pottuvil, which have become popular destinations due to the region’s thriving surfing culture.
“At present, around 514 Israeli tourists are in the country. Their security has been assured and heightened,” a top official of Sri Lanka Tourism Police told the Daily FT.
He added that efforts are in place to safeguard all tourists in the country through ramped up special measures.
From 1 January to 20 October 2024, a total of 21,641 Israeli travellers visited Sri Lanka, making up 1.4% of the 1.57 million total tourist arrivals so far, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
The Daily FT learns that the majority of these tourists have been concentrated in tourist hotspots like Arugam Bay, Pottuvil, Ahangama, Mirissa, Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Weligama — all of which are now considered potential risk zones.
Adding to the mounting concerns, Israel’s National Security Council also urged its nationals in Sri Lanka to leave tourist hotspots in the South, East, and West coastal towns due to a potential risk of terrorist attacks.
The Council advised Israeli nationals to relocate to Colombo, where security forces are more concentrated, or to consider leaving the country altogether.
In addition, the advisory urged Israeli tourists to conceal signs that indicate their nationality and avoid large gatherings.
The string of travel warnings came at a challenging time for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which has been working hard to recover from multiple hardships for the past five years.
The UK ranks as the second-largest source market with 143,007 tourists, accounting for 9.1% of total arrivals, whilst Russia follows closely in third place, contributing 132,130 visitors or 8.4% of overall travellers.
Australia ranks seventh with 66,439 tourists, making up 4.2% of the total, whilst the US comes in eighth place with 45,779 visitors or 2.9%. Canada ranks 11th, contributing 34,593 tourists or 2.2% of total tourist arrivals.
As the holiday season approaches, the industry fears that these advisories could pose a significant setback, particularly as the Government has placed trust on the sector’s growth for economic recovery efforts after the worst financial crisis the country faced post-independence.
Meanwhile, Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya yesterday confirmed that the Government was informed of the security advisory through intelligence services, and had acted swiftly to implement a comprehensive safety program.
Speaking to the media, Weerasooriya disclosed that intelligence reports, obtained as early as 7 October, indicated the likelihood of an attack targeting foreign nationals in the country.
“These concerns prompted high-level discussions within the National Security Council, chaired by the President over the past three weeks,” he said.
His statement was after 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 Acting IGP said the discussions resulted in the deployment of a special security operation aimed at safeguarding foreign nationals, particularly those attending religious events or residing in high-risk areas.
“We have been closely monitoring the situation, especially since the conflict in the Middle East has expanded to other regions by October 2024,” Weerasooriya said.
The special security measures involve a coordinated effort between local Police stations, the Police Special Task Force (STF), and intelligence personnel. He said key tourist hotspots and locations with large numbers of foreign visitors have been under increased surveillance.
Weerasooriya reassured the public that authorities have been in regular contact with consular offices and embassies, with diplomatic missions responding positively to steps taken.
“We were all aware of the US security advisory, and in response, we put in place additional security measures from Tuesday (22),” he disclosed.
The Acting IGP also said the National Security Council, which includes senior military commanders, intelligence heads, and key State officials, reviewed the situation during a meeting held yesterday morning.
“Further instructions were given to ensure the continued safety of foreign nationals, while embassies have been kept informed about ongoing security plans,” he added.
Despite no immediate threats to locals having been detected, Weerasooriya urged the public to remain vigilant at all times.
“We call on all tourist establishments — hotels, restaurants, travel partners – and the general public to report any suspicious activity or individuals to the Police via the 1997 hotline,” he said, stressing the importance of community cooperation.
He also said the security at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and surrounding area has been heightened as part of the security measures.
“The searches carried out as part of the special security operations have not uncovered any suspicious persons or items,” the Acting IGP said.
Weerasooriya reaffirmed that the security measures remain in place to ensure the safety of all — foreign nationals and locals.
Separately, addressing the media, Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said Police have ramped up security by establishing roadblocks and conducting routine inspections of vehicles and individuals.
“Additional reinforcements from the Special Task Force (STF), Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Army, and State Intelligence Services (SIS) have also been deployed to secure the area,” he said, adding that around 500 Police officers and STF personnel have already been deployed to enhance security in the Arugam Bay tourist zone.
Thalduwa assured that these measures are aimed at protecting not only Israel tourists, but all visitors to Sri Lanka, particularly as the country prepares for the Parliamentary elections and for a busy holiday season.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of every tourist who chooses to visit Sri Lanka,” he said, adding that the security presence in Arugam Bay remains heightened for the foreseeable future.
While the authorities are taking the advisories seriously, at the time that the Daily FT was sent for printing, no specific incidents were reported.
