Israelis among tourists continuing to arrive in Sri Lanka

By Easwaran Rutnam

Israelis are among tourists continuing to arrive in Sri Lanka despite travel advisories issued by a number of countries.

Foreign Affairs and Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath said that the travel advisories had not affected the tourism sector.

He told reporters on Thursday that Sri Lanka also expects the travel advisories to be lifted soon as the concerns related to Istrealis in Sri Lanka was being addressed.

Israel?s National Security Council had on Wednesday advised its citizens in parts of Sri Lanka, including Arugam Bay, Galle, Hikkaduwa and Weligama, to leave immediately citing terrorism threats.

The United States had also on Wednesday warned of attacks targeting tourist locations in Arugam Bay.

The US Embassy in?Colombo?said that it 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 Embassy said that US citizens have been strongly urged to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice.

Later Australia warned of a risk of terrorist attacks in areas popular with foreigners and tourists in?Sri Lanka.

In a travel advice issued on Wednesday, Australia said that there is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka.

Australia said that terrorists may target areas popular with foreigners and tourists, including in regional and coastal towns.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister said that he has been in touch with diplomats based in Colombo.

He said that once the issue is fully addressed following ongoing investigations, he expects the travel advisories to be lifted. (Colombo Gazette)