The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe

¶ 01 Hon. Minister, I raise this as a very important issue. First, I thank the Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for his statement at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly regarding Palestine-Gaza, expressing concern over the humanitarian catastrophe and affirming Sri Lanka’s unwavering recognition of a Palestinian state. In Pottuvil–Arugam Bay, the Divisional Coordinating Committee and the Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha have unanimously resolved that this illegal Israeli “Shabbat House” should be closed. I table the relevant local authority documents.

¶ 02 Hon. Minister, we are not at odds with you; we believe you act with integrity. This “Shabbat House” is located next to the Muslims’ mosque. I also learned via the media that Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake has resigned as Chairman of the Sri Lanka–Palestine Friendship Association; this is concerning at this time.

¶ 03 As the Minister responsible for cultural affairs, what action are you taking to have this “Shabbat House” removed? If it pertains to the Ministry of Defence, we will raise it with the Hon. President, who is the Minister of Defence, or with the Deputy Minister of Defence.