October 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is facing growing security concerns in its southern and eastern regions due to an increase in Israeli nationals settling in these areas, prompting local intelligence to take action.
Weeks before, intelligence agencies were alerted to a possible threat from Islamic extremists, raising concerns about the safety of tourists and local communities, senior defence sources revealed.
The Israeli presence, particularly in areas such as Weligama, Mirissa, and Arugam Bay, has been a source of tension.
Reports from local residents indicate that Israeli nationals have been overstaying their visas and engaging in unregulated business activities, often excluding locals from their establishments and social gatherings.
Despite complaints, authorities had not taken concrete measures to address the situation, allowing the community to grow unchecked.
Amidst escalating violence in the Middle East, security concerns in Sri Lanka have intensified, leading intelligence services to bolster their presence in areas frequented by Israeli nationals and western tourists.
Special Task Force (STF) units have been deployed, with bomb squads placed on standby. Heightened security measures have also included increased intelligence personnel on the ground, ensuring a constant monitoring of potential threats.
Compounding the situation, the US Embassy in Sri Lanka issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to avoid Arugam Bay due to credible intelligence about a potential attack on tourist hotspots in the region.
This prompted swift action from other nations, with Australia, Russia, New Zealand, and the UK updating their own travel advisories, urging citizens to exercise caution and avoid large gatherings.
The Israeli national security council also issued a warning, advising its citizens to leave southern tourist areas immediately, citing a specific threat to locations popular with Israeli tourists, such as Arugam Bay and nearby beaches.
These advisories have cast a shadow over Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which is entering its peak season.
DIG Nihal Thalduwa, the Police Spokesman, confirmed that authorities had already implemented security measures in response to potential threats.
The police have been conducting roadblocks, vehicle checks, and joint patrols involving the Special Task Force and military forces to safeguard the area.
The security presence has been particularly concentrated in tourist-frequented areas, such as Arugam Bay and Pottuvil, both known for attracting Israeli tourists, especially for surfing events.
The presence of a “Chabad House” in Arugam Bay, a place of worship for Israeli nationals, has stirred additional controversy in the area, adding to local anxieties.
Rehan Jayawickreme, SJB candidate for the Matara District, voiced his frustration at the lack of action from authorities regarding what he described as “the unlawful stay of Israeli nationals,” warning that the situation could escalate into a broader conflict.
As part of a broader response to these concerns, Sri Lanka’s police force, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Public Security, is rolling out a special security programme to ensure the safety of foreign tourists during the upcoming peak season.
The Police Tourism Division will be enhanced, with Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya set to issue new guidelines to all police stations.
Tourists are encouraged to report any security concerns via the Sri Lanka Police hotline at 1997, while hotel staff and tourism operators have been urged to remain vigilant and take steps to protect visitors and their belongings.
Sri Lanka is bracing itself for a challenging season, balancing its efforts to protect the tourism sector with the necessity of ensuring the safety of both locals and visitors amid rising international tensions.
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