Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, has acknowledged the presence of four Israeli religious centres in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Sunil Senevi revealed that the synagogues have been set up at Pottuvil, Weligama, Ella, and Thimbirigasyaya. 

He further said that from among these, two are unregistered, and the other two have obtained the necessary legal approvals. 

“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. 

The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, made the remarks in response to questions raised in this regard by opposition MP Mujibur Rahman. 

MP Rahman proceeded to inquire about two more synagogues established 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 Police STF had been deployed to provide security. 

Responding to the question, Minister Sunil Senevi said that an inquiry was made from the Public Security Minister in this regard, who had informed that the STF has now been withdrawn from the Colombo 07 location.

Minister Sunil Senevi further revealed that these centres are being established by registering as restaurants and other commercial properties, and that inquiries can only be conducted upon receiving information or complaints regarding them. 

The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, assured that the ministry was conducting further inquiries into these establishments. (Newswire)

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Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi says all preparations have been completed for the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, which is being held after 16 years. 

He made the statement during a special press conference held at the Department of Government Information today on the ‘2025 Sri Dalada Maligawa Pilgrimage’.

Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic at the Sri Dalada Maligawa will be held for a period of 10 days, from 18-27 April 2025.

“Under the guidance of the President, with the advice of the Mahanayake Theros and the approval of the Diyawadana Nilame, all arrangements are currently being made for this purpose,” he added. (Newswire)

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