- Assures security of all citizens
- Vijitha Herath claims foreign travel advisories could be lifted within week following 3 arrests by TID
- Israelites can call DIG (Tourist Range and Maritime Division) Damayantha Vijaya Sri on 0094718592651 to request assistance to ensure personal protection
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the Government has taken all necessary measures in response to recent intelligence reports and assured the security of all citizens.
He made these remarks while addressing a public meeting held in Puttalam yesterday (24).
“It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our citizens. We’ve been enhancing security in various areas. Not only that, the intelligence agencies acted swiftly on the information, and we have also taken action to arrest a few suspects. Today, I would like to assure that we have ensured the safety and security of all citizens of Sri Lanka,” he said.
Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath said that the travel advisories issued by several foreign countries for Sri Lanka could be lifted within the next two to three days. Herath stated this during a special press conference held in Colombo yesterday, to brief on the steps taken following information received on possible attacks targeting foreign tourists in Sri Lanka. He reassured the public and tourists that there is no cause for concern, as necessary security measures have been taken to ensure the security of the foreign tourists. “They have been informed through the hotels and the Tourism Authority. The Police as well as the tri-forces have taken the required steps. So, tourists can travel freely. The countries that have imposed travel advisories will be able to withdraw them in two to three days,” he claimed.
Furthermore, he stated: “We will restore normalcy in a few days, allowing the travel advisories issued by the United States (US) and other countries to be lifted. These nations are already satisfied with the measures that we’ve implemented, and they have confidence in sending their citizens to Sri Lanka for tourism”.
“Tourist arrivals have not been affected. Even the day before, Israeli tourists arrived in Sri Lanka without any issues. Those currently here are enjoying their travels freely, without any obstacles. We have already successfully managed the situation,” he claimed. He further stated that the public, local as well as foreigners, need not entertain any fears of probable attacks on Israelis or any others, as all possible security measures have been taken to ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, three suspects have been arrested so far by the Police (the Terrorism Investigation Division [TID]) over the intelligence reports on security threats to Israeli nationals in Sri Lanka, specifically on suspicion of allegedly planning to attack Israeli nationals in Sri Lanka, Herath said. Police Media Spokesperson, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Nihal Thalduwa confirmed to The Daily Morning that investigations into the arrested suspects are underway, and that more information regarding the matter is yet to be discovered. Herath stated that the three arrested suspects are currently being interrogated.
Herath, who further commented in this regard, said: “Given the conflict situation in the Middle East, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the tourists visiting Sri Lanka. Some information has been revealed that there may be potential threats to the safety of the tourists who visited Sri Lanka. Intelligence agencies received information about it. Upon receiving that information, we immediately took action. Today marks one month since this Government took office. During the month, the Security Council met on several occasions.” He further stated that in response to the information received, special Police security was assigned in popular tourist areas, including in the Arugam Bay, Bandarawela, Ella, Matara, Weligama, and Ahungalla Beach. “The Police security has been deployed since the beginning of this month (October). This information was thoroughly discussed in the National Security Council. Both the intelligence agencies and the Police have launched investigations. Three people have been arrested on suspicion based on the information,” he said. He also stated that the authorities are determining whether they attempted to cause any disturbances, either knowingly or unknowingly, and based on the information obtained, further investigations are being carried out.
However, the Canadian Government has issued a travel advisory urging travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Sri Lanka due to demonstrations, the threat of terrorist attacks and crime, particularly in the Arugam Bay area.
Elsewhere, Israeli nationals visiting Sri Lanka, whether for tourism or other purposes, can now directly request assistance to ensure personal protection, according to the Police. Visitors in need of assistance can contact the DIG in charge of the Tourist Range and Maritime Division Damayantha Vijaya Sri, by calling 0094718592651, the Police Media Division announced.
If an Israelite who has visited Sri Lanka as a tourist or for other purposes, feels the need to ensure his/her personal security, he/she may directly contact the above telephone number and get the necessary assistance, the statement said. Vijaya Sri will take necessary measures having taken the requirement into consideration, it said. Since it is necessary to verify the identity in such matters, the Israelites are requested to provide the necessary information.
Security has been heightened at the popular surfing resort of Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s Eastern coast, following reports of a potential attack targeting foreign tourists, particularly Israelis. “There is information about a possible attack targeting Israelis at a building where they are staying,” Thalduwa was quoted as saying. The increased security measures are focused on the Arugam Bay and Pottuvil areas, with around 500 Police officers and Special Task Force personnel deployed.
As a result, Israel’s National Security Council has issued an urgent warning to Israeli citizens to leave popular tourist areas in southern Sri Lanka immediately, and classified the Arugam Bay region as a level four threat, advising Israelis to take precautions, such as concealing their Jewish identity and avoiding large gatherings. “The Israeli security establishment is maintaining close communication with the Sri Lankan security authorities and closely monitoring the situation,” the Council stated. It also advised Israelis in other parts of Sri Lanka to exercise caution and avoid holding large public gatherings.
The security alert followed a warning from the US Embassy in Colombo, which said that it had received credible information about a potential attack in Arugam Bay. “US citizens are strongly advised to avoid the area until further notice,” the statement said.
The Russian Embassy and the United Kingdom issued similar warnings to its citizens, urging them to remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings. Australia and New Zealand too followed suit.
Police have assured protection for all foreign nationals. “Given the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, we are coordinating with the intelligence services to ensure the safety of tourists,” Thalduwa said.
A hotline (1997) has also been established for tourists to report any suspicious activities.
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