RASHEEN BAAPU
COLOMBO : A growing influx of Israeli tourists, is fueling tension in the southeastern Sri Lankan coastal
towns, prompting concerns among local residents, business owners and community leaders about foreign influence, gentrification, cultural friction and violence.
These towns, known for its surf-friendly beaches and tranquil setting, typically sees an influx of tourists. Some locals are expressing alarm over what they describe as the “increasing presence of Israeli nationals with ties to military forces and Zionist organizations”.
Zionism – Is an ethnocultural nationalist movement that emerged in late 19th-century Europe to establish and support a Jewish homeland through the colonization of Palestine. Zionism, or Jewish nationalism, is a politically motivated mission. Its core beliefs are that all Jews constitute one nation (not simply a religious or ethnic community) and that the only solution to anti-Semitism is the concentration of as many Jews as possible in Palestine/Israel and the establishment of a Jewish state anywhere. The World Zionist Organization, established by Theodor Herzl in 1897, declared that the aim of Zionism was to establish “a national home for the Jewish people secured by public law.” Zionism drew on Jewish religious attachment to Jerusalem and the Land of Israel (Eretz Israel). But the politics of Zionism was influenced by nationalist ideology, and by colonial ideas about Europeans’ rights to claim and settle in other parts of the world.
Not all Jews live in Israel, not all Israelis are Jewish, and not all Jews are Zionists. There are also non-Jewish Zionists, such as Christian Zionists. Moreover, within the different groups, there are diverse opinions. Many Jews, both inside and outside Israel, support the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside the state of Israel. The same is true for many Zionists.
Some Zionists say; they want to have a land in Ceylon because, they can’t afford it in the West. My country was sold by politicians to Islamist and South Asian immigrants and refugees. They hope the Ceylon will allow foreigners to own land because it’s impossible for some of them to buy land in the West or in the Middle east.
According to a report published by Ground views, the Israeli presence is especially visible in the surfing sector. Tourists from Israel are often seen traveling in groups, relying on Israeli-run services, bringing medical teams from Israel and purchasing scooters and tuk-tuks for personal use. The report argues that this has created a “parallel tourism network”. That is largely detached from the local community. Therefore, there is no direct benefit for the tourism industry and the economy of Sri Lanka in the on arrival free visa issuance to Israeli nationals.
Tensions have also arisen over cultural differences. Locals have reported discomfort over Israeli tourists wearing swimsuits and bikinis in public spaces near mosques and schools. Residents say such behavior shows disregard for local customs and religious norms.
Beyond cultural issues, concerns over national security and surveillance are mounting. Despite local tensions many Israeli tourists—some of whom hold dual citizenship or long-term U.S. visas—have remained in the area and in some cases established businesses with local partners. Business leaders are increasingly worried that foreign-backed ventures are sidelining local enterprises.
The increased presence of security forces is adding to local frustration. Four permanent military checkpoints have been set up along a five-kilometer stretch of Pottuvil Main Road, and military patrols have become common. What were initially welcomed as protective measures are now viewed by many residents as disruptive and unnecessary.
Law enforcement measures have also drawn criticism. Authorities are reportedly requesting daily updates from hotels on the nationalities of guests, and a public WhatsApp group has been launched to track tourist movements. In one instance, police provided a personal security escort to an Israeli tourist, prompting discomfort among other guests.
“The disproportionate level of protection given to Israeli tourists has led to accusations of a double standard,” Saroor wrote. “Locals feel their safety and privacy are being compromised for the sake of foreign nationals.”
Saroor also warned that the Chabad House, which draws hundreds of worshippers on Friday evenings, may be at risk of attack. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently highlighted security threats in Parliament, while some Sri Lankan newspapers have reported the emergence of a radical Islamic group in Kalmunai, about an hour from Pottuvil.
Given the recent escalation in Gaza and what Saroor described as “brutal killings by Israeli occupation forces,” there is growing animosity toward Israelis in general. With the April surfing season approaching, she warned that the arrival of Israeli military personnel recovering from war fatigue could make Arugam Bay a potential target.
The Arugam Bay Hoteliers Association has called on Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Tourism to reduce military presence in the town and to replace patrols with civilian security forces. The group also requested action to address overcrowding and noise around the Chabad House, arguing that current security policies are harming the tourism sector.
Chabad Houses -The network of Chabad Houses in Sri Lanka was established about 23 years ago by Rabbi Mendy Crombie, on the mission of the Rebbe. Since then, it has been a warm home to thousands of Jewish travelers who arrive on the island from all over the world.
In the Chabad Houses you will find a wide range of spiritual, social, and material services for the Jewish traveler: festive Shabbat meals, prayers, an active synagogue, a mikvah, kosher food, and more.
“The most visible symbol of the Israeli presence is the Chabad House,” wrote author and human rights activist Shreen Abdul Saroor. Located on Mafasa Mosque Road, the center serves as a place of worship for Israeli tourists. The surrounding area has become overcrowded in recent years, and Saroor said that the sale of land to foreign investors—particularly Israelis—has intensified fears of gentrification and the displacement of the local Muslim-majority population
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations inquired the policy adopted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism with regard to the establishment and functioning of Chabad Houses in Sri Lanka given the contemporary dialogue surrounding domestic security concerns and the functioning of such Chabad Houses.
This matter was raised at the meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations held recently, chaired by Hon. Member of Parliament Ms. Lakmali Hemachandra, (Attorney-at-Law).
Responding to the said inquiry, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism stated that, out of the 5 Chabad Houses, 2 have been registered under the Companies Act. Upon inquiry as to the spending capacity of tourists, the officials stated that though it is possible to calculate in general, there is no mechanism in place to navigate spending capacities based on nationalities of the tourists.
The government’s decision to intervene in Arugam Bay may now set a precedent for further regulatory action against unregistered or informal religious centers, as Colombo attempts to tighten compliance in the tourism and foreign engagement sectors.
As debates continue in parliamentary corridors and public discourse, the closure of the Arugam Bay Chabad House is likely to become a flashpoint in the wider discussion on how Sri Lanka navigates the intersection of religious freedom, national security, and international tourism.
Some critics argue whether Ceylon could be the New Israel, the Promised Land, the Chosen Land of God or this is going to be a another beginning of separatism and will Sri Lanka be colonized by the Zionists.
I urge the government to study the Zionist invasion in Cyprus etc., reassess security protocols, monitor foreign investments, protect the cultural identity, co- existence and economic well-being of local communities.
(Prof Rasheen Bappu, International Security Analyst, PCVET practitioner & Anthropologist)
