'Israel' urges citizens to leave Sri Lanka beaches amid local outrage
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The warning advises Israelis to postpone travel to other parts of the country.
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A man walks on the beach with his child in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, January 12, 2023. (AP)
The Israeli Security Council on Wednesday urged Israelis to immediately leave the Arugam Bay area and other beaches in southern and western Sri Lanka, citing alleged threats to settlers.
"Those leaving these areas are advised to leave the country or at least to the capital Colombo, where there is a high presence of local security forces," a statement read.
The warning advises Israelis to postpone travel to other parts of the country. It also urges them to conceal any signs indicating their Israeli nationality and to avoid gathering in large groups.
"Israel" has stated that it is in close communication with Sri Lankan authorities.
The US Embassy in Sri Lanka had previously warned its citizens of a potential threat to Israeli travelers at a popular surfing destination, leading the island nation’s police to pledge enhanced security measures for tourists.
The embassy stated that it had "received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations" in the eastern Arugam Bay area.
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Israeli settlers' illegal activities increase in Sri Lanka
This comes shortly after concerns raised by former Weligama Mayor and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) member Rehan Jayawickrema about the potential threats to Sri Lanka due to the increasing number of Israeli tourists in Arugam Bay.
Commenting on the travel advisory issued by the US Embassy regarding potential threats to its citizens in Arugam Bay, Jayawickrema said that Sri Lanka is now facing a serious security threat, which could jeopardize the country's tourism recovery efforts.
Why were Israeli nationals allowed to stay here, overstaying their visas, running unlawful businesses in the south?
— Jamila Husain (@Jamz5251) October 23, 2024
Media reported this matter several times. But the Israeli community kept growing and growing. So much so that local businesses took a hit.
No one listened?
Posting on X, Jayawickrema stated that the illegal activities of certain Israeli business owners have persisted for far too long. He added that despite numerous appeals to various governments to address these issues and ensure fair play, these requests have been ignored.
Rehan Jayawickrema urged authorities to address the situation with urgency, stating, "If these warnings continue to be dismissed, the repercussions for Sri Lanka could be more severe than we anticipate."
He further noted that as the Arugam Bay season comes to an end and the Southern season begins, the presence of heavy roadblocks in Weligama was already instilling fear among tourists, overshadowing their sense of safety.
"To those Israelis fueling this instability, let me make one thing clear: you cannot forcefully and illegally occupy our lands as you have done elsewhere. You cannot conduct illegal business practices and ruin opportunities for others. Even though we have welcomed you to this beautiful island, this is not your country, and you must respect the laws of this land," he added.
The illegal activities of certain Israeli business owners have persisted for far too long. Despite numerous appeals to various governments to put an end to this and ensure fair play, these requests have been ignored. Now, we are facing a serious security threat that could derail…
— Rehan Jayawickreme (@RehanJayawick) October 23, 2024
