Lanka has four synagogues

Two of them unregistered

Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Prof Hiniduma Sunil Senevi told parliament that Sri Lanka had four synagogues.In response to a query by Colombo District SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman, the Minister said that there were four Israeli religious centres at Pottuvil, Weligama, Ella, and Thimbirigasyaya.

He said that of them two were unregistered, and the other two had obtained the necessary approval.

“Those established in Pottuvil and Thimbirigasyaya are unregistered. Those in Weligama and Ella are legally registered. These centres were registered in 2022 under the Companies Act,” he said.

Rahuman demanded information about two more synagogues at Colombo 07 and Alwis Place in Dehiwala.

Pointing out that the Prime Minister had previously acknowledged that they were illegal establishments, MP Rahman questioned why the STF had been deployed to provide those places with security.

Prof Sunil Senevi said that an inquiry had been made from the Public Security Minister in this regard, who had informed that the STF had now been withdrawn from the Colombo 07 location. Those centres had been established as restaurants and other commercial properties, and that inquiries could be conducted only if complaints against them were received, the Minister said.

by Saman Indrajith

from The Island https://ift.tt/9Okqctl