All the necessary steps have been taken to ensure the security of foreign tourists and local residents in Sri Lanka, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (25) said.

He made this remark during a meeting with South African High Commissioner, Sandile Edwin Schalk, this morning (25) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

The President’s statement follows recent warning about a possible attack targeting Israeli tourists in Arugam Bay between 16 and 23 October.

During the meeting, the Ambassador presented a greeting message from the President of South Africa and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sri Lanka, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

He also expressed continued support for applying South Africa’s peace and national reconciliation model in Sri Lanka. The discussion also covered expanding international trade through the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and enhancing the travel and tourism sector to benefit both nations.

A detailed discussion was held on exchanging South Africa’s technology to address human-elephant conflict management. 

South Africa’s interest in collaborating on Sri Lanka’s defence, agriculture, and technology sectors was also highlighted, with a commitment to working closely in these areas.

President Dissanayake briefed the South African High Commissioner on Sri Lanka’s current security situation, emphasizing the recent measures taken to enhance safety for both tourists and residents. 

He assured that these efforts, in response to recent travel advisories, have led to strengthened security protocols across key tourist areas, the PMD reported.

Deputy High Commissioner Rene Everson-Varney and Second Secretary  Zanethemba-Leilla Tshangela were also present at the discussions.