The US embassy in Sri Lanka issued a rare travel warning on Wednesday, cautioning American citizens about a potential attack in the popular surfing destination of Arugam Bay. The advisory was based on “credible information” suggesting that tourist hotspots in the eastern region could be targeted.
This warning follows a surge of social media posts calling for boycotts of Israeli-owned businesses in Arugam Bay, sparked by protests from local Muslim groups opposing Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. The protests have gained widespread support across Sri Lanka, a predominantly Buddhist nation with a sizable Muslim population.
While Sri Lankan authorities have yet to officially comment on the warning, local police have reportedly increased security measures in the area.
The warning marks the first alert of its kind in Sri Lanka since the devastating 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, in which 279 people, including 45 foreign nationals, were killed. That attack, which targeted hotels and churches across the country, was attributed to a local jihadist group.
Tourism in Sri Lanka, already reeling from the 2019 attacks, was further impacted by the island’s economic collapse in 2022. However, the industry has been slowly recovering, with approximately 1.48 million tourists visiting the country so far this year.
The US embassy’s travel advisory raises concerns about the potential impact on the country’s fragile tourism sector as it works to rebuild from years of economic and security challenges.
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