Israeli and US tourists advised to avoid southern Sri Lanka after terror threats 

Sri Lankan authorities have increased security in a well-known surfing resort after reports of credible terrorist threats to Israeli tourists.

Arugam Bay, on the Indian Ocean in the country’s southeast, is in a predominantly Muslim area. Traditionally dominated by fishing, it is regularly named as one of the top ten surf destinations in the world. Despite its 7-hour distance from Colombo, its active local elephant population, relaxed vibe, and position as the gateway for the Yala East National Park, have helped to make it a growing tourist hub.

Credible warning of attack

But it is now drawing attention for different reasons due to an alert from the US embassy in Sri Lanka. The US advice notified Americans of “credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area.” It went on: “US citizens are strongly urged to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice.”

Security Alert for American Citizens in Sri Lanka: The Embassy received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area. Embassy staff are restricted from the area until further notice. U.S. citizens are strongly urged to avoid… pic.twitter.com/Ts77TACsuw

— U.S. Embassy Colombo (@USEmbSL) October 23, 2024

In addition, Israel’s national security council has advised Israelis to evacuate tourist areas in southern Sri Lanka. The council has also cautioned Israelis elsewhere in Sri Lanka to exercise increase vigilance and avoid large gatherings in public areas. It said Israeli security agents are “in close contact with the security authorities in Sri Lanka” and are “following the developments.” 

Large number of Israeli tourists

Sri Lankan police are deploying extra security measures, spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa told press. “This area is a popular spot for surfing and has attracted a large number of Israeli tourists. We are working to ensure they remain safe,” Thalduwa said.

While no details are forthcoming about the nature of the threat or reasons for it, Israel is in the midst of a military campaign against Hamas and Hezbollah that the United Nations has characterised as a genocide after the killing of 42,924 civilians, including nearly 16,765 children. 80% of commercial facilities in Gaza and 87% of school buildings have been damaged or destroyed, as well as 68% of cropland, according to UN data.

The wider impact of terror threats

Sri Lanka’s tourist industry has faced a number of tragedies and setbacks in recent years, including 2004’s deadly Boxing Day tsunami and 2019’s coordinated Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks on three hotels and three churches – terrorism whose impact on the tourist market, along with high foreign debt and government mismanagement, precipitated the collapse of the nation’s economy in 2022. The tourist sector had been bouncing back, with, government data showing, 1.5 million tourist arrivals in 2024 to September, over 20,000 of whom were from Israel.