The US Embassy in Colombo has lifted travel restrictions for the popular tourist destination, Arugam Bay, which were initially set on 23 October due to security concerns. Although the advisory has been eased, the Embassy continues to urge American citizens in Sri Lanka to exercise vigilance.
The Embassy’s updated guidance advises US nationals to remain aware of their surroundings, keep a reliable means of communication, such as a cell phone, on hand, and report any suspicious activity to local authorities via the emergency number 119. Travelers are also encouraged to stay informed by monitoring local media for any relevant updates.
On 23 October, the US Embassy had issued an advisory urging American citizens to avoid Arugam Bay, citing credible information about a potential security threat. This advisory led several other countries, including the UK, Australia, Russia, Canada, Israel, and New Zealand, to issue similar warnings to their citizens about the area.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie J. Chung, clarified on 28 October that the security alert was not a travel ban but rather a targeted caution for Americans to avoid the eastern coastal region until further notice. Ambassador Chung emphasized the Embassy’s “duty to warn” policy, underscoring its commitment to transparent communication with both US nationals and Sri Lankan authorities regarding any credible threats.