People’s Rights Group (PRG), a rights-based advocacy and lobbying group based in the UK particularly dealing with human rights violations in Sri Lanka, voices, its utmost concern about recent events which impinge upon the constitutional rights of the  people of Sri Lanka. While there have been many instances of violations of the country’s laws, particularly in the East and the South reportedly by illegal Israeli tourists and businesses, with little or no action from the law enforcement authorities, instead of acting on them, the law enforcement authorities have placed various restrictions on the people to exercise their rights to protest or show resentment by peaceful means.  This unfortunate state of affairs has led and may lead to further communal unrest and frustration specially among the Muslim community of Sri Lanka, whose feelings and sentiments have been particularly affected by the ongoing genocide being carried out by Israeli forces in Gaza, killing over 50,000 people, most of whom are women and children.

PRG notes from a recent report of  25th March 2025 in the Daily Mirror^[1], of  how businesses run by Israeli tourists are becoming a threat to the local tourism industry. Many of these businesses have been established with local partners. Arugambay Beach in the East as well as many areas in down South such as Ahangama, Hiriketiya and Unawatuna are dominated by these business-tourists who conduct transactions through overseas accounts thereby depriving the country of income. According to researchers, the influx of Israeli tourists to Sri Lanka began in the last five years, particularly since October 2024 because many Israelis were banned from entering holiday destinations in many countries.  Incidentally, many of these individuals are overstaying their tourist visas and continuing to engage in businesses. It has also been observed that despite all these issues, their businesses and illegally set up community halls are being guarded by the Police round the clock at a heavy cost to the Sri Lankan taxpayer who is already overburdened. The Daily Mirror also reports that most foreign-run businesses and Israeli establishments have employed Israeli military officers from the Israeli Defence Forces, causing a serious threat to the national security of Sri Lanka. There have been numerous instances when they have displayed intense aggression in Sri Lanka towards locals and other tourists. In January this year, although Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said in Parliament that the government would crack down on illegal activities carried out by Israeli tourists, sadly no action has been taken as yet. PRG notes that the situation appears to be aggravating to a point where locals are now feeling the heat of the influx of Israeli tourists.

On the other hand, it is also concerning that the government authorities have intimidated people who chose to exercise their constitutional right to protest and express their anger against the Israeli genocide carried out in Gaza, being livestreamed across the world. Recently, a 23-year-old man was arrested and is being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for pasting stickers opposing the Israeli genocide in public places . He has been detained under section 7.1 of the PTA, a draconian law which allows prolonged detention for more than 72 hours, on suspicion of ‘engaging in activities that threaten Israeli citizens in Sri Lanka and causing communal disharmony’.

PRG, in its recent Press Statement highlighted that President Dissanayake pledged to repeal the PTA, in addition to removing abusive provisions of the Online Safety Act. While some victims have suffered years of arbitrary detention and torture, others are persecuted even after the case against them is dropped. Muslim detainees held and still being held since the Easter bombing, is a case in point. PRG thus stressed upon the NPP government, the need to abolish this draconian law. However, it is unfortunate to note the ongoing use of the widely discredited PTA, which seeks to target perceived opponents and minority communities without credible evidence to support the allegations despite repeated pledges to end the practice.

PRG also sadly points out that despite Sri Lanka’s long-standing solidarity with the people of Palestine, its Foreign Policy position vis-à-vis the Israeli genocide in Gaza, has since of late being prevaricating, perhaps caught in triangular geo-political manipulations and interferences. Particularly, the ‘watered down’’ statement released by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated 21st March 2025,  which read; ‘Sri Lanka is deeply concerned over the situation in Gaza and calls on all sides to avoid any action that would lead to further escalation of the situation,’ appeared to be totally unhinged from reality. The choice of words is totally devoid of respect for human rights, and ignores the fact that this latest spree of attacks was a  ‘one-way’ genocidal killing spree committed by Israel, on the Gazans who have been under continuous Israeli occupation and attacks.

PRG calls upon the law enforcement authorities in particular to enforce the law to stop illegal Israeli activities being carried out in Sri Lanka, which impinges on communal harmony and the Sri Lankan Government to live up to its commitments for reform including the abolition of the PTA, safeguard the people’s right to protest and to renew the historic commitment of Sri Lanka to work towards the realization of the just aspirations of the Palestinian people, who have been under continuous occupation of the Israeli State.