The U.S. Embassy in Colombo has lifted the travel restrictions that were issued to American citizens on October 23, 2024, regarding the Arugam Bay area in Sri Lanka.
In its latest travel security update, the U.S. Embassy encourages all U.S. citizens to review the Travel Advisory for Sri Lanka, remain vigilant, be aware of their surroundings, and report any suspicious activity or emergencies to local authorities by calling 119.
The decision follows widespread reports that the Sri Lankan government had requested the U.S. Embassy to lift its advisory, which had warned American citizens to avoid traveling to the popular east coast surfing destination.
On October 23, the U.S. Embassy had issued a travel warning for Arugam Bay, citing credible information about a potential attack. Subsequently, other countries, including the UK, issued similar warnings, with it later being revealed that Israeli tourists were the intended targets.
The Sri Lankan government, after taking action, requested that the U.S. authorities reconsider the advisory. Following this, Sri Lankan police arrested six locals based on the received information, and a special security network was established to safeguard tourist sites frequented by foreigners.
U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung defended the Embassy’s decision, emphasizing that it was not a travel ban but a precautionary measure to prevent any incidents.
Source – adaderana.lk
