Sri Lanka is a peaceful, beautiful and friendly destination ahead of tourist season

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry has announced that the US has lifted the security alert on the Arugam Bay area, following close collaboration with the Sri Lankan side and the immediate and extensive security measures by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, and related agencies.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that, Sri Lanka takes any security alert seriously. 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.

Sri Lanka Police gave detailed instructions on maintaining security in the Arugam Bay area while emphasising the importance of safeguarding the freedom of tourists. The residents of the concerned regions, 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, it said.

At a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, together with all related defense 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.

This request was reiterated by Foreign Minister 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 The US side rescinded the security alert this afternoon, stating that the USA values the “strong partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka and law enforcement,” the statement said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Sri Lanka is a peaceful, beautiful and friendly destination for tourists before the upcoming tourist season.