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10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Thursday, 5 June 2025

10th Parliament· 16 debates· 166 speeches· 58 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1750828922068945 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  4. 4 Oral question Oral Question: Israeli Religious and Cultural Centres Established in Sri Lanka (Q.632/2025) 6 speeches
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB

      AI summary The Minister stated that four Israeli religious centres have been identified in Pottuvil, Weligama, Thimbirigasyaya, and Ella. He said the Weligama and Ella centres are registered with the Registrar of Companies as of 21 April 2022, while the Pottuvil and Thimbirigasyaya centres are not registered. Regarding Pottuvil, he noted that officials could not obtain details from a responsible person during inspection, but public information indicated it is private property used by Israeli nationals, particularly during the tourist season, for religious activities.

      Religion & Culture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB

      AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman questioned why action had not been taken against two allegedly unregistered Chabad centres operating in Colombo 7 and Dehiwala, despite the Prime Minister previously acknowledging in December that they were not legal or registered. He noted that both premises continue to receive Police and STF security and asked the Minister to explain the lack of action after seven months.

      Corruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB

      AI summary The Minister stated that concerns previously raised to the Prime Minister had not been ignored and that he had consulted the Minister of Public Security. He said STF protection for the centre at Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 07, had been withdrawn, and further details could be provided. He noted difficulties in identifying and regulating such entities because some are registered as businesses, including restaurants, while conducting other activities, and said his Ministry is verifying registration status through relevant departments and Divisional Secretariats.

      Religion & CultureSecurity & Defence Full speech →
    • The Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB

      AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman raised concerns about Police protection being provided to alleged unauthorized Israeli/Jewish cultural centres, including a location in Colombo 7, despite the removal of STF security. He argued that providing security could amount to legitimizing such centres and, citing the Palestine parliamentary friendship context, urged the State either to recognize them legally or withdraw protection. He asked how long it would take to close the centres or enforce the law against them.

      Foreign AffairsLaw & OrderSecurity & Defence Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said Jewish visitors may enter Sri Lanka as tourists for religious or cultural purposes, and the Government has a duty to facilitate their basic needs and observances, as it does for all tourists. He acknowledged complexities regarding the relevant institutions, noting that two were registered in 2022, and stated that the Government would regularize the matter as new information becomes available while ensuring equal treatment of tourists.

      Religion & CultureForeign Affairs Full speech →