• Acting IGP says instructions received from Prez at Security Council meeting held weeks ago 
• Israel Nat’l Security Council tells Israelis to immediately leave certain tourist areas/beaches in South & West, & refrain from large gatherings 
• US, Russia, UK, Australia & NZ issue travel security alerts 
• Over 500 cops, STF, intel and military personnel to Arugam Bay tourist zone & spl. security plan for foreigners & specific places including of religious worship
• DIG Thalduwa says no intel reports of threats to other areas, urges public against panic 

Sri Lanka’s law enforcement authorities were reportedly, by their own admission, aware of intelligence regarding the potential for a possible attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay (Ampara District, Eastern Province) area, the Police Department said yesterday (23), as Sri Lankan authorities rush to take preventive measures to mitigate the impact from a terror threat. 

The revelation came following the United States (US) Embassy issuing a security alert for American personnel and citizens in Sri Lanka yesterday.

It is reported that consequent to information received regarding potential threats to tourists in the area, special measures and steps were taken several days ago to bolster security in the region. Around 500 Police officers and Special Task Force (STF) personnel had already been deployed to enhance security in the Arugam Bay tourist zone.

Police Media Spokesman, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Nihal Thalduwa and the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya also confirmed that intelligence agencies and other security forces are focused on strengthening security measures in the area. 

Thalduwa further emphasised that no intelligence reports have been received regarding such threats in Colombo or any other areas of the country thus far, and therefore urged the public not to have any undue fears.

Additionally, special attention is being given to ensure the safety of tourists visiting Arugam Bay and other provinces.

Addressing the media, Acting IGP Weerasooriya said: “As there was a suspicion that there could also be a threat to Sri Lanka, the intelligence agencies did very good surveillance duties in that regard. We received intelligence regarding that by 7 October”. Weerasooriya added that the possibility of attempts to carry out attacks targeting a specific nationality of tourists was discussed in the Security Council meeting chaired by the President three weeks ago. “We received instructions in that regard.” Weerasooriya stated that according to those instructions, security was provided to those foreigners, specific places, and places of religious worship under a special security plan jointly carried out by the Police, the STF and intelligence officers.

Thalduwa clarified that Israelis frequent the Arugam Bay and Pottuvil areas due to popular surfing locations, and that recent information received has indicated a possible threat targeting them and potential danger to them. “In the Arugam Bay area, there is a building established by the Israelis, a hall-like structure. Israelis are often attracted to both Pottuvil and Arugam Bay, especially because of surfing. They love that area, which is why they have set up a special place there,” he said. 

In response, the Senior DIG in charge of the Province has initiated necessary preliminary measures, which involve securing the area by deploying roadblocks and periodically conducting checks on vehicles and individuals. “Special units, including the Police, the STF, the Navy, the Army, and intelligence officers, have been deployed to ensure safety in the area. If any further information is received, immediate action will be taken,” Thalduwa reassured. He emphasised that Police stations have been instructed to coordinate and provide security for tourists, regardless of nationality. “If we receive any information, we will take immediate action. Even now, necessary measures have been taken for that area. To other areas, that is why we are giving these instructions to the Police stations because it is our responsibility to provide security to the tourists regardless of the country that they belong to, so we are doing the necessary coordination and giving the necessary instructions to those Police stations,” he said. 

The Police and intelligence divisions, under the direction of the Ministry of Public Security, are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of tourists and citizens against any potential threats, the Police said. Issuing a special statement, the Police Department urged the public and tourists to report any emergencies or relevant information by contacting the emergency hotline ‘1997’. The Police Media Division stated that it has been observed from the information received so far that a large number of tourists are scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in the upcoming tourist season. “As a State that is renowned for its popularity as a famous tourist destination, we shall be held responsible for creating a hospitable environment for tourists to derive pleasure, entertainment, and knowledge with a great sense of security,” it said. The Police announced that accordingly, taking the war situation in the Middle East and Eastern Europe into account, a special programme for ensuring the safety of tourists is scheduled to be prepared and implemented by the Police and the intelligence units under the guidance and coordination of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security. “The Tourist Police Division will be further strengthened, and Acting IGP Weerasooriya will give special instructions to all Police stations in this regard.”  

“As an initial step, the emergency telephone line 1997 has been made available for tourists from yesterday onwards to inform of any security related matters to the Police,” it added. 

Additionally, the Police expressed appreciation for the role played by the owners of tourist hotels, their staff, and all persons who are engaged in the field of tourism. The Police expect that they will take the best possible measures within their scope to protect the lives and property of tourists in the future, the release added. In any situation, they may coordinate with the Police stations in the area, and necessary instructions will be given to the Police stations in the future, the Police said. “All parties should pay attention to the threats that may be caused by thieves and harassment by certain employees. Further, the Police will act in this regard with a new programme in the future,” it said in conclusion.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau has issued a statement yesterday, extending an invitation to travellers from around the world to visit Sri Lanka during the upcoming tourist season and assuring that all tourists can enjoy a safe and secure experience while exploring the beauty of the island.  “The highest levels of safety and security will be maintained for all visitors throughout their stay in Sri Lanka,” the statement by Sri Lanka Tourism said. “We look forward to offering every traveller a memorable and enjoyable stay in Sri Lanka,” Sri Lanka Tourism said.

Elsewhere, Israel’s National Security Council yesterday called on Israelis to immediately leave some tourist areas in Southern Sri Lanka over the threat of a possible terrorist attack. The agency said that the warning pertained to the area of Arugam Bay and beaches in the South and West of Sri Lanka, and stemmed from “current information about a terrorist threat focused on tourist areas and beaches”. The Council called on Israelis in the rest of Sri Lanka to be cautious and refrain from holding large gatherings in public areas. “The Israeli security establishment is in close contact with the security authorities in Sri Lanka and is following the developments,” it said.

In connection with the official statement by the Police regarding the possible threat of attacks against foreign tourists in Arugam Bay, the Russian Embassy in Colombo has requested Russian citizens in Sri Lanka to remain vigilant and to avoid large gatherings.

The United Kingdom (UK) had also updated its travel advice for Sri Lanka based on the latest travel alert issued by the US Embassy regarding potential threats in the Arugam Bay area.

The US Embassy in Colombo issued a security alert for American citizens in Sri Lanka yesterday, strongly advising them to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice, citing credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area. The Embassy says that it has received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area. “Due to the serious risk posed by this threat, the Embassy imposed a travel restriction on Embassy personnel for Arugam Bay effective immediately and until further notice.” “US citizens are strongly urged to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice,” the security alert said.

Following the precautions taken by the said foreign missions, the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka also issued a warning: “There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka. Terrorists may target areas popular with foreigners and tourists, including in regional and coastal towns. To enter Sri Lanka, you'll need a visa in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You should do this before you travel, as there are limited facilities to obtain an ETA on arrival at Katunayake’s Bandaranaike International Airport. Public demonstrations can occur throughout Sri Lanka and may become violent. Avoid areas impacted by demonstrations. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media for updates.”

Meanwhile, the New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka also advised New Zealand citizens to exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to the impacts of the economic crisis, the potential for civil unrest, and the risk of terrorism. “We advise New Zealanders in Sri Lanka to avoid protests, demonstrations, political rallies and events, large crowds and queues. Comply with any instructions from local authorities, including curfews. Monitor local and international media, review personal security plans and stay aware of your surroundings. If you unexpectedly find yourself near a protest, demonstration, large crowd or violent clash, exercise caution and leave the area quickly. Demonstrations may disrupt local public services and transport.”