The US Embassy in Sri Lanka issued a travel advisory for US citizens travelling to the Arugam Bay region today (23). 

In relation to this announcement, the Police also issued a statement on a special security program aiming to ensure the safety of foreign tourists travelling to the island, in light of the concerning situations in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Pottuvil Police sources revealed to The Morning that the travel restrictions were imposed following information given by intelligence services concerning an attack targeting the Israeli tourists residing in Arugam Bay. 

According to the source, local enforcement officers have been put on surveillance duties starting from yesterday (23) to ensure the safety of the tourists.