The Government has decided to deport two Israeli nationals who were arrested for allegedly assaulting a local man at the popular tourist destination of Arugam Bay, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala said yesterday (30).
The incident occurred around 6.15 p.m. on Friday (29) when the two Israeli men, both aged 26, had got involved in an altercation with a Sri Lankan man who had been travelling in a sport utility vehicle with his wife.
According to Police, the disagreement had escalated into a physical assault, prompting the arrest of the two foreigners.
Wijepala confirmed that swift legal action had been taken: “They were arrested and produced before court, and we have now ordered their deportation.”
The Minister underlined that the decision had been based purely on legal grounds and not on the individuals’ nationality.
He also acknowledged that the ongoing conflict in Palestine had led some groups to question the Government’s stance on Israel. “We are aware that there is a problem regarding Palestine and that injustice is taking place, but Sri Lanka cannot solve that conflict,” he said.
“We need diplomatic ties with all countries. Some Muslims claim that we are taking the side of Israel, but that is not the case. Tourism is our priority and people from all nations are welcome here.”
The Minister also mentioned recent inspections of unapproved Chabad houses, which he said were operating like hotels, noting that authorities had since identified these and were looking into those cases more closely.
Wijepala stressed that the enforcement of immigration and public order laws applied equally to all foreign visitors: “There are many Sri Lankans employed in Israel and mutual respect must be maintained. At the same time, it really does not matter which country someone comes from. Just last week, we deported several Chinese nationals and 13 Bangladeshis who had overstayed their visas.
“When deporting individuals, I personally review the cases and circumstances before placing my signature. These are sensitive matters and we deal with them carefully. But the principle remains the same: anyone entering Sri Lanka must follow our laws.”