COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Authorities have heightened security measures at a well-known surfing hotspot in Sri Lanka following reports of a potential threat to Israeli visitors, according to police officials on Wednesday.

Police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa announced that enhanced security protocols have been implemented in Arugam Bay, located on the eastern coast of the country. This alert follows a warning from the U.S. embassy, which advised American citizens to steer clear of the Arugam Bay region due to credible intelligence indicating a potential attack on popular tourist spots in the area.

Thalduwa mentioned that local law enforcement had significantly increased their presence over the past few days by setting up additional roadblocks and conducting thorough vehicle checks. The police plan to extend these security measures nationwide to ensure the safety of tourists arriving in Sri Lanka for the upcoming year-end travel season.

As Sri Lanka gradually recovers from one of its most severe economic crises, the tourism sector plays a crucial role in this resurgence. The industry was severely impacted after a series of coordinated suicide bombings targeting three hotels and three churches on Easter Sunday in 2019, leading to a substantial decline in tourism and exacerbating the economic downturn three years later.