Probe into Arugam Bay threat launched prior to Presidential polls

Investigations into the threat on Israelis in Arugam Bay and other parts of Sri Lanka was launched prior to the recent Presidential elections, Minister of Public Security and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.

He said that Sri Lanka had received foreign intelligence information about a potential threat to Israelis in Sri Lanka.

Herath insisted that the threat was not new and was being investigated prior to the recent Presidential election.

The Minister told reporters on Thursday that then intelligence chief Suresh Sallay was also aware of the threat and it was being investigated.

Asked why action was not taken earlier, the Minister said that the matter had to be properly investigated before arrests were made.

He said that when more information surfaced recently further steps were taken to ensure the security of tourists in the country.

Vijitha Herath said that the National Security Council had met a couple of times under President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka’s leadership this week to discuss the threat.

The Minister, however, insisted that the threat was not similar to the Easter Sunday attacks.

He said the only target was Israeli tourists in parts of Sri Lanka.

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.

Issuing a statement, the National Security Council issued a travel warning for Sri Lanka in light of recent information about a terrorist threat focused on tourist areas and beaches, including Arugam Bay, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Weligama and Ahangama.

The Israel National Security Council said the threat level for its citizens in Arugam Bay, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Weligama and Ahangama had been raised to Level 4.

Israel urged those living in these areas to leave the country or move to Colombo?where there is a higher security presence.

Israel?s National Security Council said the security threat level in other parts of Sri Lanka has also been raised to Level 3?and Israelis planning to visit the country have been advised to postpone their trip unless it is essential.

The National Security Council urged Israelis to take precautions and avoid promoting Israel symbols in the public sphere, including avoiding movements with Hebrew shirts or symbols, avoid gatherings of Israelis in the public space,and at sites where there is no security.

Israel says it is in close contact with the security authorities in Sri Lanka and is following the latest developments.

The United States, 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.?(Colombo Gazette)