The United States today lifted the security alert on the Arugam Bay area, following close collaboration with the Sri Lankan Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Issuing a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the decision was the result of close collaboration with the Sri Lankan side and the immediate and extensive security measures put in place by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Public Security and related agencies.
Sri Lanka takes any security alert seriously, and accordingly, the Sri Lankan authorities promptly implemented a series of coordinated security measures in the area to safeguard tourists, foreigners and residents against any possible threat.
Detailed instructions were given by Sri Lanka Police to maintain security in the Arugam Bay area while emphasising the importance of safeguarding the freedom of tourists.
The Foreign Ministry further said that the residents of the concerned areas, as well as, owners of tourist establishments and all persons engaged in the field of tourism cooperated closely with the Sri Lanka Police in these efforts.
At a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath together with all related defence and public security agencies, briefed the Heads of Diplomatic Missions directly concerned, regarding the extensive measures by the Sri Lankan side, and urged the removal of the security alert and related travel advisories.
The Foreign Ministry said this request was reiterated by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday.
The US side rescinded the security alert this afternoon stating that the USA values the “strong partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka and law enforcement”.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates that Sri Lanka is a peaceful, beautiful and friendly destination for tourists ahead of the upcoming tourist season.
In October, the US Embassy issued a 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.
Soon after, Sri Lanka Police clarified that the surge in Israeli tourists and the occupation of a building in the Arugam Bay area may have prompted the US Embassy in Colombo to issue an advisory. (Newswire)