Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi told parliament today that Sri Lanka is home to four Jewish synagogues.
The minister was responding to a question raised by Colombo District SJB MP Mujibur Rahman.
The four synagogues are located in Pottuvil, Weligama, Ella, and Thimbirigasyaya, according to Prof. Senevi. However, he revealed that two of these centres are not legally registered.
Specifically, the synagogues in Pottuvil and Thimbirigasyaya are yet to obtain official registration, while those in Weligama and Ella have received the necessary legal approvals.
“These centres were registered in 2022 under the Companies Act,” Minister Senevi said, providing clarity on the legal status of the establishments.
MP Rahman raised further concerns regarding two other synagogues in Colombo 07 and Alwis Place in Dehiwala. Pointing to a previous acknowledgment by the Prime Minister that these two were illegal establishments, Rahman questioned why the Police Special Task Force (STF) had been deployed to provide security for them.
Prof. Senevi responded by stating that an inquiry was conducted by the Public Security Minister, who informed him that the STF had already withdrawn from the Colombo 07 site.
He elaborated that these synagogues were being established by registering as restaurants or other commercial properties, making it difficult for authorities to take action unless specific complaints or information are received.
“We are conducting further inquiries into these establishments,” Prof. Senevi assured, reiterating the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all religious establishments comply with the law.
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