• Dullas queries why public was not informed before US Embassy statement, finds ‘eerie & uncanny’ resemblance to Easter attacks  

In light of the security-related concerns raised with regard to Israeli nationals currently living in Sri Lanka, several politicians expressed their opinions about Israeli nationals living and conducting business activities in Sri Lanka.

Former Parliamentarian Dullas Alahapperuma opined that the Government should investigate whether the concerns surrounding the Arugam Bay area were part of what he referred to as an international conspiracy. During a press briefing held at the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya headquarters yesterday (24), Alahapperuma, speaking about the statements made by local authorities regarding the above-mentioned alleged threat, added: “When we look at these statements, we have a reasonable suspicion. At the same time, we get a feeling of fear and doubt about the country’s security. There is a question as to why we did not publicise this warning if our country’s security and intelligence units were aware of this before the United States Embassy received the relevant information. What happened in the context of the Easter Sunday attacks is similar to this.” He stressed that the present Government should be more vigilant about the country’s national security and pay more attention to foreign relations. He also raised concerns about Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

In this context, Samagi Jana Balawegaya General Election candidate Rehan Jayawickreme, on the social media platform X,  raised concerns about what he referred to as illegal activities conducted by Israeli business persons residing in Sri Lanka. He claimed: “The illegal activities of certain Israeli business owners have persisted for far too long. Despite numerous appeals to various Governments to put an end to this and ensure fair play, these requests have been ignored. Now, we are facing a serious security threat that could derail Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery efforts. Authorities must address this situation with urgency. If these warnings continue to be dismissed, the repercussions for Sri Lanka could be more severe than we anticipate.” Adding that as the Arugam Bay season winds down, the southern season begins, he further observed: “However, the presence of heavy roadblocks in Weligama is already causing fear among tourists, casting a shadow over their sense of safety. To those Israelis fuelling this instability, let me make one thing clear: you cannot forcefully and illegally occupy our lands as you have done elsewhere. You cannot conduct illegal business practices and ruin opportunities for others. Even though we have welcomed you to this beautiful island, this is not your country, and you must respect the laws of this land.”