As the surfing season at Arugam Bay ends, visitors to the popular surfing town are now making their way to the beaches of the Southern coast, including Matara, Tangalle, and Galle, as well as Ella in the Uva province. This shift was confirmed by DIG Damayantha Vijaya, who oversees the Tourist Range and Maritime Division.
Despite a slight dip in the number of tourist arrivals on Thursday and Friday following travel advisories from various Embassies regarding a potential security threat to Israeli tourists, tourist arrivals picked up from yesterday, Vijaya told the Sunday Observer.
The Government, responding to intelligence reports, has worked diligently to reassure visitors of their safety, leading to a resurgence in tourist numbers, he said.
Sources from the Tourism Ministry said that the average monthly arrival of Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka ranges from 23-25. It recorded an increase last month with the numbers rising to 38 in part to the popular surfing season in Arugam Bay, they said.
Currently, there are over 466 Israeli tourists enjoying their stay in Sri Lanka, More are arriving in the country without any issue, they said.
Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath told a press conference on Thursday that the Government hopes that foreign countries would lift their travel advisories over the Arugam Bay issue any time now.
Police took in for questioning three suspects who were allegedly plotting to attack Israeli tourists in the Arugam Bay area. According to reports, the suspects had planned to carry out the attack at a Chabad House Jewish community centre in the town.
DIG Vijaya said that tourists in the country are confident of their safety and that normalcy has been restored. The visitors are now exploring popular coastal destinations such as Mirissa and Bentota, as well as venturing into forest reserves, rock temples, and ancient monasteries.
Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath said that ensuring the safety of tourists visiting Sri Lanka, particularly those from the Middle East and other conflict-affected regions, is our responsibility. “We have ensured a safe environment for all tourists so that they can fully enjoy their stay in our country,” he added.
