This week, in Sri Lanka, five Jewish rabbis including three Israeli nationals were arrested by the Department of Immigration and Emigration for violating the terms of their visit visas. 

The rabbis were reportedly engaged in the Kosher certification of poultry products at a chicken processing plant. While there is nothing illegal about performing religious rites in accordance with Jewish traditions, conducting such activities within a commercial setting under the guise of a tourist visa is a breach of the immigration laws.

This incident, while isolated, underscores larger issues surrounding religious freedom, visa categorisation, and how Sri Lanka deals with foreign nationals conducting religious or business activities within its borders. It also raises questions about how State institutions collaborate or fail to collaborate on managing a tourism industry that is becoming increasingly diverse.

This is not the first time that Jewish-related matters have surfaced at a national level in Sri Lanka. In recent years, there have been concerns about unregistered and unauthorised Jewish religious centres operating in the country. The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs has discussed these concerns, noting that legal action cannot be pursued because such institutions are not formally recognised or registered as religious entities under the current law.

Parallel to this are concerns about Israeli-owned businesses or Israeli-led commercial activities being carried out without appropriate legal permission. While Judaism is not prohibited in Sri Lanka and the freedom of religion is protected by the Constitution, the problem arises when individuals use tourist visas for commercial purposes.

To prevent such occurrences in the future, the Department of Immigration and Emigration could consider the feasibility of introducing new, more flexible visa categories. These could include permits that accommodate short-term religious practices or consultations that do not directly involve commercial transactions. Alternatively, a clearer path for obtaining business visas for specialised services like Kosher certification should be made available. By refining these policies, Sri Lanka could broaden its appeal to niche tourist groups while maintaining the law.

Moreover, this incident comes in a broader context where nationals from countries like Ukraine, Israel, India, and China, are increasingly using Sri Lanka as a long-term base, in some cases navigating legal grey areas. While many do so legitimately, others exploit visa loopholes. This highlights the urgent need for a more inclusive visa policy framework that supports the country’s tourism targets without compromising national safety and security-related regulations.

Another crucial part of this conversation is the apparent lack of coordination among key government entities. To truly position Sri Lanka as a globally welcoming tourist destination, agencies such as the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Immigration and Emigration Department, the Tourism Police, and the Ministry of Religious and Cultural Affairs must establish stronger interagency coordination. Consistent policies and shared understanding among these bodies are necessary to manage diverse tourist demographics, religious practices, and business interests.

However, in Sri Lanka’s enthusiasm to attract foreign tourists and be more inclusive, we must not overlook the experiences of Sri Lankans in their own country. Reports have emerged of local citizens facing discrimination in popular tourist destinations such as Galle, Matara, Ella, and parts of the hill country. These reports are not new, and it is not only in Sri Lanka that these incidents are discussed. Instances of locals being denied entry or treated unfairly are not only damaging the country and its tourist sector, but are also illegal under the Constitution which guarantees equality and non-discrimination. If we wish to be a country that welcomes the world, we must first ensure that our own people are welcomed within our borders.

As Sri Lanka is seeking to attract more tourists in a region where there is significant competition, the country has to go beyond expediting visa processes and producing publicity materials. Taking into account the changing needs and issues in the tourist sector, the country has to adapt.