Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that no government institution has granted authorization for the construction of Israeli religious centers or similar establishments in the country.

Dr. Amarasuriya made this statement in response to a question raised by SJB MP Mujibur Rahman, in Parliament today (8 January).

The Prime Minister emphasized that neither the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs nor any of its departments had approved such constructions. She acknowledged the existence of such centers but noted that they are being maintained without government authorization. “We are aware of these centers and have received information about them. However, no permission has ever been granted,” she said.

Dr. Amarasuriya also mentioned that discussions are ongoing about the necessary actions to address the matter, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently involved in the issue.

In contrast, MP Mujibur Rahman alleged that religious and cultural centers for Israelis are being built with approval from the Ministry of Defense. He further claimed that police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel have been deployed to provide security for these locations.

However, the PM did not provided direct answer to the alleged police and STF protetcion to those establishments.