Indian Intelligence Sparks Security Alert as US, Israel Urge Tourists to Flee Sri Lanka's Arugam Bay Amid Terror Threats
Colombo, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka's popular tourist region, Arugam Bay, has become the focal point of an international security alert after India issued a warning of potential terror attack. Both the United States and Israel have issued urgent alerts critical of their citizens to leave Arugam Bay and other southern and western coastal areas of Sri Lanka immediately. The travel warnings were issued based on credible threats officials have called grave, scaring both visitors and locals.
A statement from the US Embassy in Sri Lanka said it had received "credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area." Known for its surfing appeal, Arugam Bay draws international tourists, including many from Israel, whose government responded by raising its travel advisory to Level 4, its highest alert. It instructed its citizens to "leave immediately Arugam Bay and the south and west coastal areas of Sri Lanka," mentioning cities like Ahangama, Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Weligama.
TWO people were detained for questioning in connection with the terror alert in the country.
Besides security, Sri Lanka's authorities said they arrested two men suspected of being involved with the terror threats. Indian intelligence had identified suspects, among them a man who had only just returned from Iraq. It is since their arrest that security has also strengthened around Arugam Bay's Chabad House-a community center for locals and visitors in this small fishing village who are Jewish. The place has been said to be on the hit list.
"Given the credible information about Chabad House, which is operated by Israelis, we have stepped up security," said police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa. He acknowledged recent tensions between Jewish tourists and the predominantly Muslim local community, citing a complex social dynamic influenced by ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
Step up Security in all tourist zones
Sri Lanka has also stockpiled critical security resources after the warning, including Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, who has come forth to disclose that intelligence had begun pouring in last October 7 concerning the assault. It prompted discussions at Sri Lanka's security council and hundreds of police and intelligence personnel were sent to vulnerable areas. Security forces have now stepped up their presence nationwide near places of worship, busy tourist destinations, and other potential hotspots by erecting roadblocks.
While Sri Lankan authorities are in close touch with Israel's National Security Council to follow the situation as it is unfolding, the Council in Israel advised citizens there to maintain extreme caution, to avoid gathering in groups, and to keep a low profile.
Other countries, such as Germany and Australia, have also revised their travel advisories, cautioning their citizens against approaching the Sri Lankan affected coastal areas. The US Embassy has also set up a helpline for vacationers to express their safety concerns and enhance efforts to secure the region that is of a strategic importance to the tourism economy in Sri Lanka.
Impact on Sri Lanka's Fragile Tourism Industry
In Sri Lanka, the tourism sector has faced particularly severe challenges in its revival, not only due to economic crises but also the disastrous Easter Sunday bombings in 2019. An industry that has received almost 1.5 million visitors up to August of this year faces this new challenge; among the visitors to Arugam Bay were a considerable number of Israeli tourists.
The Gaza conflict has also fueled tensions which are more closely linked to the influx of Israeli tourists in the area; some features of this influx, such as Hebrew signage along the roads and Israeli-owned shops, have led to groups of local citizens calling for boycotts, and most recently a Sri Lankan member of parliament, Rehan Jayawickreme, issued a statement urging Israeli tourists to abide by local laws.
Security concerns that are long-standing in the region.
The threat of terror attacks in Sri Lanka reminds one of those heinous Easter bombings in 2019. In that targeted attack on churches and hotels, Sri Lanka lost 270 people and 500 were injured. And since then, there have been no major attacks, but renewed alerts have stirred up the anxieties of residents and tourists alike.