Hotels, tourist areas and places of worship visited by foreigners could be targets for “indiscriminate” terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, the Foreign Office has warned.
The government travel advice to the country was updated last night, just hours after the US Embassy in Colombo advised its citizens to avoid the Arugam Bay surfing area until further notice.
It said it had received “credible information” warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the bay, which is located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka.
The Israeli and Australian embassies also issued travel advisories warning their citizens of a heightened terrorist threat.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said in revised travel advice: “Terrorists are very likely to carry out attacks in Sri Lanka.
“Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals such as hotels, tourist sites and places of worship.”
British travellers were urged too avoid crowded public places, large gatherings and demonstrations.
“Stay aware of your surroundings at all times, keep up to date with local media reports and and follow the advice of local authorities,” the FCDO added.
“The current conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has led to heightened tensions around the world. Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida and Daesh, have called on their supporters to carry out terrorist attacks in response to the conflict. The conflict could also motivate individuals to carry out attacks.
“Terrorist attacks could target Jewish or Muslim communities, or the interests of Israel and its allies. Attacks could also be indiscriminate and occur without warning.”
Experience Travel Group co-founder and managing director Sam Clark said: ”We’re told the threat is a very specific one which relates to growing tensions between Arugam Bay’s predominantly Muslim population and Israeli owned businesses and young Israeli tourists.
“Arugam Bay is a popular surf spot and hang out for young Israelis, sometimes immediately following their national service. Arugam Bay is on the east coast of Sri Lanka, 7 hours drive and 300 km from Colombo.
“We currently have only a handful of groups travelling in Sri Lanka as it is low season and no one at all booked to visit that area until well into 2025.
“Arugam Bay is out of season currently and the tourist season starts again from March onwards.”