Israel security official and Sri Lanka discuss Arugam Bay threat

An Israeli security official and the Sri Lanka Police discussed the recent threat in Arugam Bay.

The Sri Lanka Police said that Regional Security Officer, Counselor Roi Vaknin met Acting IGP, Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Priyantha Weerasooriya in Colombo and discussed the issue.

The Police said that Israel was given an assurance over the safety of tourists in Sri Lanka.

The Acting IGP had noted that security had been increased following the conflict in the Middle East.

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

The National Security Council issued a travel warning for Sri Lanka in light of 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 also 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 iAustralia 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)