The United Kingdom (UK) has warned that terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka cannot be ruled out.In an updated travel advice, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said that attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals and tourists such as hotels, bars, restaurants and night clubs, beaches, tourist sites, places of worship, and large public gatherings, including major events, public holidays, religious occasions
British nationals have been urged to avoid crowded public places and to stay aware of their surroundings at all times, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
“The conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has led to heightened tensions around the world. Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida and Daesh, have called on their supporters to carry out terrorist attacks in response to the conflict. The conflict could also motivate individuals to carry out attacks,” the travel advice said.
The travel advice says terrorist attacks could target Jewish or Muslim communities, or the interests of Israel and its allies. Attacks could also be indiscriminate and occur without warning.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office noted that on Easter Sunday in April 2019, more than 250 people, including 8 British nationals, were killed in terrorist attacks against 3 churches and 3 hotels in Sri Lanka: in Colombo, Negombo and in Batticaloa.
In October 2024, the United Kingdom updated its travel advisory for Sri Lanka, highlighting a heightened threat of terrorism. This update was prompted by credible intelligence reports indicating potential attacks targeting popular tourist destinations, particularly in the Arugam Bay area. The U.S. Embassy in Colombo issued a security alert on October 23, 2024, advising American citizens to avoid Arugam Bay due to the serious risk of an imminent attack.
In response to these threats, Sri Lankan authorities arrested three local suspects believed to be planning attacks on Israeli tourists in Arugam Bay. Security measures were intensified, with increased deployments of police and Special Task Force personnel in coastal regions frequented by tourists. The Israeli government also advised its citizens to leave areas deemed at high risk, including Arugam Bay and other southern and western coastal regions.
These developments have significantly impacted Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which has been striving to recover from past adversities, including the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and recent political unrest. In an effort to rejuvenate tourism, Sri Lanka had introduced a visa-free entry program starting October 1, 2024, for visitors from 35 countries, including the UK. However, the renewed security concerns have posed challenges to these recovery efforts.
Travelers are advised to exercise heightened caution, stay informed through official channels, and adhere to local security guidelines when considering travel to Sri Lanka.
