• Religious Affairs Ministry says they’re not recognised religious institutions

The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs stated that legal action cannot be taken against the alleged Israeli religious centres located in Sri Lanka, as these places have not been identified as proper 'religious institutions'.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (8), Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Gamagedara Dissanayake said that these places have only been identified as locations where people are allegedly carrying out Israeli religious practices. "They are not recognised religious institutions. Some people have claimed that religious activities are taking place. If these were properly maintained as religious institutions, or if any activities conducted there affected national security or social harmony, we could take legal action. But in this case, we cannot do so,” he said.

However, the deputy minister noted that the Government is closely monitoring these identified locations.

Addressing Parliament last week, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, revealed that the Government has acknowledged the presence of four Israeli religious centres in Sri Lanka, established in Pottuvil, Weligama, Ella, and Thimbirigasyaya. He further stated that out of these four, two are unregistered while the other two have obtained the necessary legal approvals.