Israelis remain in Sri Lanka surfing town despite terrorism warning

The last of the Israelis left in a scenic surfing hotspot in Sri Lanka said they felt safe and would stay put despite a warning from Jerusalem to immediately leave due to the threat of a possible terrorist attack.

Israel’s national security council called on Israelis on Wednesday to get out of tourist areas in the south of the Indian Ocean island nation, saying it had information about a terrorist threat focused on tourist areas and beaches.

The agency did not specify the nature of the threat but said the warning pertained to the Arugam Bay area – a popular haunt for Israelis – and beaches in the south and west of the country.

The US embassy in Sri Lanka and the German foreign ministry also followed with similar warnings, prompting Colombo to step up security and go on high alert.

Sri Lankan police have arrested three suspects for questioning in connection with an unspecified threat.

“We are working to ensure that all tourists are protected and their safety assured at all times,” said police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa.