The Sri Lanka Police has heightened security in the Ella, Weligama, and Colombo areas following the warning on potential attacks on Israeli tourists.
Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa told Newswire that security measures are already in place in several areas in the Southern Province, including Weligama, and the Ella and Colombo areas frequented by Israeli tourists.
He further revealed that the setting up of Jewish prayer halls in five areas, including Ella, Weligama, and Colombo, had been a key reason for the Police to heighten security in the said areas.
DIG Thalduwa confirmed that two suspects had been arrested by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) on suspicion of connections to the threats.
“One suspect is from Jaffna, while the other is from Colombo. They have been detained and are undergoing interrogation,” he added.
The US Embassy’s recent travel advisory to its citizens, stating that it had received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area, had brought to light potential attacks against Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka.
Soon after, several more countries, such as the United Kingdom, Russia, New Zealand, and Australia, also issued travel advisories on Sri Lanka.
Commenting on the matter, Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya confirmed that the Police have put in place a special security program to address possible threats.
Addressing the media, he revealed that the decision was made in response to intelligence reports linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and potential threats to Israelis in Sri Lanka, as a result. (Newswire)