Israel calls its citizens to leave tourists destinations in Southern Sri Lanka

Israel's National Security Council today, urged its citizens to evacuatce specific tourist destinations in southern Sri Lanka without delay due to a suspected terrorist threat. 

The call came as Sri Lanka said it stepped up security around the Arugam Bay area following a security threat.

Although the Isreali council refrained from detailing the exact nature of the threat, it strongly advised Israelis in Sri Lanka to remain cautious and avoid large gatherings in public spaces.

Security has been stepped up in the Arugam Bay and Pothuvil areas following warnings of the possible security threat in the area.

Deputy Inspector General of Police and Police Spokesman Nihal Thalduwa told the media that threat had been posed possibly due to the existing of a building put up by Israeli nationals in the Arugam Bay.

He said that security was stepped up following information that there could be a threat to the Israeli nationals in the area.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police in the Eastern province had ordred to increase road blocks and check points in the area, he said.

DIG Thalduwa disclosed about the possible threat shortly after the US Embassy in Colombo issued a travel advisory to its citizens warning of a possible attack targeting the Arugam Bay area.

“The Embassy 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," the warning said. 

Accordingly, US citizens are strongly urged to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice, the Embassy said. 

United Kingdom too has also shared the travel advisory issued by the US Embassy. 

The Police Media Division in a statement issued earlier in the day said that in view of a large number of tourist expected in the coming season, special security arrangements will be put into effect.

A statement, said that taking into consideration the situation in Middle Eastern and other regions the Public Security Ministry along with the Police and intelligence units are drawing out the security plan ensuring security of the visiting tourists.

The hotline 1997 has been established with effect from today to make inquiries.

However, the first statement by the Police made no reference about the warning issued by the US Embassy.

DIG Thalduwa said that there was no threat to other areas in the country.