Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Wijitha Herath said that the government has taken responsible measures to address the recent situation in the Arugam Bay tourism area.
He said that local intelligence units received information from foreign intelligence agencies, prompting the government to implement strict security protocols. The National Security Council convened to ensure the safety of citizens and tourists, leading to the detention of several individuals linked to the concerns. Those arrested have been presented in court, with investigations ongoing.
"The primary focus remains on guaranteeing safety," said Herath. He said that while the authenticity of the threat remains to be determined, preemptive actions were necessary.
Addressing concerns over travel warnings from the United States, the minister clarified there is no travel ban in place. He also mentioned that recent gatherings of Israeli nationals for religious observances were being investigated for legality.
Minister Herath acknowledged the potential disruption caused by embassies issuing warnings without consulting the government but reaffirmed the administration's commitment to national security and public safety.