The United States Embassy in Colombo has issued an urgent travel advisory, imposing immediate travel restrictions on its personnel and advising U.S. citizens to avoid the popular tourist destination of Arugam Bay due to a credible threat of a potential attack.
According to the embassy, the advisory follows reliable intelligence indicating that popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area could be targeted. “Due to the serious risk posed by this threat, the Embassy has imposed a travel restriction on U.S. Embassy personnel for Arugam Bay, effective immediately and until further notice,” the statement reads.
U.S. citizens currently in Sri Lanka or planning to travel to the country are strongly urged to avoid visiting Arugam Bay, located on the southeastern coast and globally renowned for its surfing spots. The region draws tourists from around the world, making it a high-profile area for potential threats.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy informed U.S. citizens of several precautionary actions to take:
In light of the potential danger, the embassy outlined several steps for U.S. citizens to remain safe:
– Report all suspicious activity and emergencies to local authorities by dialing 119.
– Maintain heightened vigilance and always be aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts—if a situation feels wrong, leave immediately.
– Ensure you have a means of communication, such as a mobile phone, at all times.
– Regularly monitor local news and media for any updates.
