Sri Lankan police arrest three over threats to Israelis at Arugam Bay

Three persons were arrested by the Sri Lankan police on Thursday relating to the suspicion of plotting an attack against Israeli tourists in the eastern coast surfing resort of Arugam Bay. 

The Terrorism Investigation Division of the police arrested the three suspects, who were Sri Lankan nationals. 

According to public security minister Vijitha Herath, police were interrogating the suspects. 

Earlier, based on Indian intelligence information, in a warning attack between October 19 and 23, police announced the arrest of two persons. 

The US embassy and the British High Commission in Colombo on Wednesday issued statements warning their citizens that they had received credible information targeting Arugam Bay and urged tourists to avoid the area until further notice. 

The opposition had criticised the government saying that the public was not informed of the threat until the US embassy issued its travel advisory. 

Herath also said that swift action was taken by the government to provide security at all coastal areas and tourism sites after intelligence reports of threats.

He said US Ambassador Julie Chung had informed the government of the travel advisory on the Arugam Bay security situation.

The US has warned its citizens to avoid the popular tourist resort on the eastern coast until further notice. Meanwhile, according to the police, security has been extended to the southern coast and the southeastern resort areas as well.

Amid the Israel-Hamas war, Sri Lankan Muslim minority groups have expressed concerns and they condemned the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Several anti-Israel protests were staged in various parts. Many posts have appeared on social media calling for a boycott of Israeli businesses on the east coast as well.

In the wake of the threat, police have set up a hotline for tourists in case of any emergency or assistance.