 "A police commando stands guard in front of a restaurant in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, October 23, 2024. File Image/AP")
On Wednesday, both the United States and Israel issued urgent travel warnings to their citizens, advising them to avoid specific coastal regions in Sri Lanka, particularly the popular tourist destination of Arugam Bay.
The warnings were prompted by credible information regarding a potential terrorist attack targeting popular tourist locations. The US Embassy in Sri Lanka stated that it had “received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area.”
This area, known for its surfing appeal, is frequented by many international travellers, including Israeli citizens.
Israel’s National Security Council responded by elevating its travel advisory to the highest level (Level 4) for the southern and western coastal areas, including Arugam Bay.
The Council urged Israeli citizens to “immediately leave Arugam Bay and the south and west coastal areas of Sri Lanka.”
Popular cities such as Ahangama, Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Weligama were specifically included in this advisory. Israelis currently in these regions were advised to either leave the country or move to the capital, Colombo, where local security forces are more concentrated.
Two arrests made amid terror alert
Local media reported Thursday that two Sri Lankan nationals were arrested in connection with the terror threats against Israelis. One of the suspects had been based in Iraq, and intelligence provided by India played a key role in identifying them.
Following the arrests, Sri Lankan authorities have increased security around Arugam Bay’s Chabad House, a Jewish community center, which was reportedly identified as a potential target.
“The information was that a place called ‘Chabad House,’ run by Israelis, could be a target, and we have taken measures to strengthen security,” said police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa. He also acknowledged recent tensions between Jewish tourists and the bay’s Muslim-majority community.
Notably, one of the targets of the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai was Chabad House, where seven people were killed.
Sri Lanka increases security
Sri Lanka’s police force has responded by intensifying security around tourist hotspots. Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya disclosed that intelligence about a possible attack was first received on October 7.
Following this, Sri Lanka’s security council held discussions and gave operational instructions to law enforcement. Hundreds of police officers, alongside intelligence personnel, have been deployed to safeguard the vulnerable areas. Roadblocks and security posts have been set up, particularly around places of worship and high-traffic tourist spots.
“The Israeli security establishment is in close contact with the security authorities in Sri Lanka and is following the developments," Israel’s National Security Council said. Israel has also urged its citizens in the country to avoid gathering in large groups and to stay vigilant.
The US Embassy’s warning was echoed by other nations, including Germany and Australia, which also updated their travel advisories, encouraging citizens to avoid the affected regions in Sri Lanka.
A police statement confirmed that a hotline has been set up to allow tourists to report any safety issues.
An already struggling tourism sector in Sri Lanka
The tourism industry, a crucial part of Sri Lanka’s economy, has been struggling to recover from multiple setbacks, including the 2019 attacks and the recent economic crisis.
In the first eight months of this year, Sri Lanka welcomed around 1.5 million tourists, with Israelis accounting for approximately 1.5 per cent of these visitors, or around 20,515 people. Arugam Bay, in particular, has become a favoured spot for Israeli travellers, contributing to its growing tourist economy.
However, the influx of Israeli tourists has led to rising tensions in the area, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Reports indicate that some local communities, particularly among the Muslim population, have called for a boycott of Israeli-owned businesses in the area.
Hebrew signage is visible on many local establishments, a reflection of the Israeli presence.
Local Member of Parliament Rehan Jayawickreme expressed concerns over the Israeli influx, posting on X, “To those Israelis fuelling this instability, let me make one thing clear: you cannot forcefully and illegally occupy our lands as you have done elsewhere.” He stated that Israeli tourists and businesses must “respect the laws of this land.”
In light of the rising tensions, Israel’s security advisory also cautioned its citizens to avoid flaunting their Jewish identity, either through clothing or gatherings.
Rising tensions as Israel’s war in West Asia continues
The situation in Sri Lanka is complicated by tensions related to Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. Protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza have been reported in the Buddhist-majority nation, although they have not escalated into significant violence.
While the specific nature of the potential attack remains unclear, concerns have heightened due to previous terrorist incidents in Sri Lanka. In 2019, the country experienced devastating Easter Sunday suicide bombings, which targeted three churches and three luxury hotels, killing 270 people and injuring 500 more.
Since then, there have been no major terrorist attacks in the country, but the memory of that tragedy looms large, particularly as foreign tourists continue to return.
Sri Lanka’s police have promised heightened security to ensure the safety of tourists during the upcoming holiday season, a critical period for the country’s fragile tourism industry.
They have devised a special security strategy in view of the war situations in West Asia and Eastern Europe, which are creating broader security concerns worldwide.
Sri Lanka now faces the challenge of safeguarding its tourism industry while protecting its visitors.
With inputs from agencies