PM denies approving Israeli religious and cultural centres to function

Thursday, 9 January 2025 01:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Assures in Parliament action will be taken against unauthorised centres soon
SJB MP Mujibur Rahman alleges Govt. providing 24-hour Police and STF security for such centres

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

SJB MP Mujibur Rahman

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya yesterday said that the Government had not granted any approval to construct any Israeli religious and cultural centres and would take action against such constructions soon.

“Regarding the Arugam Bay issue, we have provided security following intelligence information, but we have not provided security for any entity to construct any centres or places. If there are so, they are unauthorised constructions,” the PM said, replying to a query raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman at Parliament.

She confirmed that the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry or the departments under the Ministry had not granted permission for such construction of Israeli religious centres.

She said that the Government had the responsibility of protecting even a single tourist to the country and could not treat them differently. Rahman said Sri Lanka had historically shown solidarity with the Palestinian people and the National People’s Power (NPP) Government is considered a pro-Palestinian Government by the people, while a majority of previous Governments showed close relationships with Israel.

However, he alleged that the Israeli religious and cultural centres, which were not only in operation but also under construction, were given tight security by the Police and STF.

Rahman questioned the Prime Minister how those centres could have 24-hour security if the Government did not approve such centres.