By: Staff Writer
October 27, Colombo (LNW): Following a reported security threat, Sri Lanka has implemented enhanced safety measures around Arugam Bay, a top surfing destination frequented by international travelers.
Police heightened security in response to specific intelligence regarding Israeli tourists, with Sri Lankan authorities determined to protect visitors and maintain the area’s appeal as a tourism hotspot. “This area attracts many Israeli tourists, and we are fully committed to ensuring their safety,” stated Police Spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa.
The call for vigilance follows a warning from Israel’s national Security Council urging Israeli travelers to leave certain areas in southern Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy advised Americans to avoid Arugam Bay after receiving credible information regarding potential threats to popular tourist sites.
In parallel, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to regulating foreign-owned businesses in line with national legal standards. SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam emphasized the importance of lawful operations and foreign investment to sustain tourism growth.
“If any tourist-run businesses are operating without authorization, law enforcement will act accordingly,” he noted. While expressing support for legally established businesses, Hewawasam also acknowledged that bureaucratic delays may affect some foreign enterprises and extended SLTDA’s assistance to help them operate within the law.
The security measures and regulatory initiatives underscore the government’s dedication to safeguarding tourists, ensuring both safety and legal compliance. Law enforcement agencies have begun compiling data on foreign-owned establishments, particularly in areas identified by foreign embassies as high-risk.
Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya confirmed that intelligence reports from a Western agency last month flagged certain locations popular with Jewish tourists as potential targets.
Local businesses along Sri Lanka’s Southern and Eastern coasts have voiced concerns over unlicensed foreign-owned establishments that allegedly harm local livelihoods by operating unauthorized shops and lodgings, especially in tourist-heavy locations such as Weligama, Galle, and Mirissa.
SJB Matara District candidate Rehan Jayawickrama emphasized that unaddressed issues within the tourism sector, combined with potential security threats, could disrupt Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery efforts.
These actions by the Sri Lankan government reflect its dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all visitors, reinforcing the integrity and hospitality of the country’s tourism industry.
