The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations has raised inquiries regarding the policy framework governing the establishment and operations of Chabad Houses in Sri Lanka, citing growing domestic security concerns and ongoing public discourse.
At the recent committee meeting chaired by Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra, MP and Attorney-at-Law, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism disclosed that out of five Chabad Houses operating in the country, two have been registered under the Companies Act.
The committee queried the Ministry on regulations or oversight mechanisms for such establishments, particularly in the context of international relations and national security. While the Ministry acknowledged general tracking of tourist spending, it admitted the absence of any system to assess spending by nationality. Officials noted that Israeli tourists typically spend around $150 per day, a figure deemed relatively high compared to average tourist expenditure.
The Committee Chair requested a comprehensive report on the Chabad Houses be submitted for further evaluation.
