Parliamentary Committee questions policy on Chabad Houses amid security concerns

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 03:31 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Tourism Ministry says out of five Chabad Houses operating, two registered under Companies Act
Ministry officials disclose average Israeli tourist spends comparative high of about $ 150
Committee Chair Lakmali Hemachandra recommends report to be submitted on findings

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations has sought clarity on the policy adopted by the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry with regard to the establishment and functioning of Chabad Houses in Sri Lanka, given the current dialogue surrounding national security concerns.

This matter was raised at the meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations held recently, chaired by MP Lakmali Hemachandra.

Responding to the said inquiry, officials from the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry stated that out of the five Chabad Houses, two 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. However, the Ministry officials disclosed that an average Israeli tourist spends about $ 150, which is a comparative high.

The Chair recommended a report on the findings be submitted to the Committee.

In addition, the Committee discussed regarding the money that has been deducted from the salaries of workers serving in Cyprus for the social security fund. Accordingly, it was decided to carry out a diplomatic level discussion to return the said money back to the workers.

The Committee also discussed at length regarding the country’s preparedness to effectively respond to any potential risks stemming from the developing crisis. Accordingly, the Committee also looked into the crisis situation brewing in the Middle East and measures taken by Sri Lanka to face a potential crisis situation that may arise.

Furthermore, the Committee also considered three Annual and Performance Reports.

Accordingly, the Performance Report of the Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Ministries for the Year 2023, Annual Performance Report of the Foreign Affairs Ministry for the Year 2023, and Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment for the Year 2022 were considered and approved by the Committee.

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