COLOMBO, OCT 23 – Sri Lankan police announced today that they are taking additional proactive measures to protect tourists and citizens from any form of threats, after the US embassy revealed information about a possible attack in Arugam Bay, a popular tourist destination on Sri Lanka’s east coast. Xinhua reported.
The police also introduced a special line ‘1997’ to report any security issues faced by tourists.
In a statement, the police explained the large number of tourists expected to visit Sri Lanka in the coming months, according to government estimates, and assured the Sri Lankan government of taking full responsibility to ensure the safety and freedom of all tourists.
Considering the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, the police will launch a special security program in cooperation with the intelligence services to ensure the safety of visitors.
Sri Lanka’s Tourist Police will be further strengthened, with Sri Lanka’s Acting Police Chief, Priyantha Weerasooriya, issuing instructions to all police stations to prioritize the safety of tourists, according to the police.
Tourism is one of Sri Lanka’s main sources of foreign income.
The country aims to attract 2.3 million tourists this year and three million in 2025. –Bernama
