Defence Secretary inspects security in Arugam Bay amid heightened international warnings
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 10, Colombo (LNW): Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, has conducted a security assessment in Arugam Bay following recent advisories from multiple foreign embassies, urging their citizens to exercise caution in southern Sri Lanka.
The Ministry confirmed that the visit aimed to evaluate the local security measures and ensure the safety of both residents and tourists in the popular coastal destination.
On 23 October, Israel’s National Security Council issued an urgent advisory for its citizens to avoid Arugam Bay, designating it as a level-four security threat—the highest level.
In a detailed statement, the Council recommended that Israeli nationals take extra precautions, such as concealing any visible signs of Jewish identity and avoiding large gatherings to minimise potential risks.
The Israeli authorities also assured that they were in close communication with Sri Lankan security officials to monitor the situation closely.
In a separate advisory, the United States Embassy in Colombo warned of a credible threat in the Arugam Bay area, strongly advising US nationals to stay clear until further notice.
Echoing these concerns, both the Russian Embassy and the UK issued similar alerts, urging their citizens to remain vigilant and avoid crowded spaces as a precaution.
As a response to the heightened security alerts, the Sri Lankan government has ramped up its security presence in key tourist areas across the island, including Arugam Bay.
Local law enforcement agencies are actively engaged in strengthening security protocols to address potential risks and reassure visitors of their safety.
