US Lifts Travel Warning for Sri Lanka's Surfing Haven, Arugambay

The US has lifted its travel advisory warning against visiting Arugambay, a surfing hotspot in Sri Lanka, after the country implemented enhanced security measures. The advisory was initially released due to intelligence of a potential threat. Local authorities detained suspects and ensured boosted safety protocols for tourists.

The United States has lifted its travel advisory warning for Arugambay, a renowned surfing location on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, as informed by the country's foreign ministry. In response to the US's initial security alert, Sri Lanka rapidly put in place extensive security measures to shield tourists and residents from any threats, the ministry said via a press statement.

Reacting to the credible intelligence that triggered the October 23 warning, advising tourists to steer clear of Arugambay, Sri Lanka appealed to the US embassy in Colombo for revocation. Investigations indicated a potential targeting of Israeli tourists, leading to similar warnings from the UK and other nations.

Subsequent efforts by Sri Lankan officials led to the arrest of six local suspects and the establishment of an enhanced security network to safeguard key tourist areas. US Ambassador Julie Chung emphasized that the advisory was intended as a precaution, not a ban, to preempt any potential incidents.

(With inputs from agencies.)