SRI LANKA (VINnews) – Buddhist monks and local residents have protested outside a Chabad House in southern Sri Lanka, amid growing tensions over the Jewish center’s presence in the popular tourist town of Hiriketiya, according to a report by Ynet.
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The Chabad House opened about a month ago to serve Israeli and Jewish travelers, offering kosher food, Shabbat meals and a gathering place for visitors.
Buddhist monks lead protest against Chabad House in southern Sri Lanka resort town
Chabad house that opened about a month ago in Hiriketiya, southern Sri Lanka, has become a center of conflict: Locals are demonstrating against it, while the Chabad house is reporting threats,… pic.twitter.com/UmMKayufbC
— Ynet Global (@ynetnews) August 16, 2026
The dispute escalated Friday, when protesters led by Buddhist monks gathered outside the building and called on local authorities to investigate whether the Chabad House has obtained all necessary permits. Protesters said the authorities should take action if violations are found.
Chabad representatives, however, said the confrontation has included threats and harassment directed at the center and Israeli visitors.
According to Ynet Global, Chabad officials said protesters disrupted Friday night’s Shabbat meal with loud music, firecrackers and stones. They also alleged that Israelis attempting to reach the Chabad House were stopped and told to turn back.
Chabad officials said several Israelis were later confronted by people carrying sticks after leaving the center. Police returned to the area and increased security, according to the report.
The Chabad House has appealed to Sri Lankan authorities, the Israeli Foreign Ministry and Israel’s embassy for increased protection and a thorough investigation.
At the same time, Sri Lankan media have reported complaints about the conduct of some Israeli tourists and businesses in the area, including allegations involving permits, visas, coastal regulations and access to local businesses.
The local protesters have called for authorities to determine whether the Chabad House is operating in compliance with Sri Lankan laws and regulations.
The dispute has placed the small Jewish center at the center of a broader clash involving tourism, local business concerns, religious activity and tensions surrounding the growing Israeli presence in the region.
There were no reports of arrests or criminal charges related to the reported incidents.
CHABAD MUST BE EFFECTIVE FOR BHUDDHISTS TO PROTEST IN THIS WAY KUDOS FOR CHABAD LET THE BUDDHISTS STICK TO THEIR IDOLATRY AND STAY IN THEIR PRETZEL LIKE POSTIONS AND THEIR DEITIES MADE OUT POTTERY
Peaceful Buddhist monk-eys
The klipa, the opposite of the kedusha side, feels threatened by the light of yidishkeit brought to that place by the opening of that center.
They can’t explain it even to themselves but thats the isroin haor min hachoishech, the advantage of the light when it comes from (midle of) the darkness.
A little light pushes away lots of darkness and they feel it.
Whoever has faith in individual Divine Providence knows that “Man’s steps are established by G‑d,”1 that this particular soul must purify and improve something specific in a particular place. For centuries, or even since the world’s creation, that which needs purification or improvement waits for this soul to come and purify or improve it. The soul too, has been waiting – ever since it came into being- for its time to descend, so that it can discharge the tasks of purification and improvement assigned to it.
It will make it an even more popular destination for Israelis!
Chabad, Get the hell out of there. No justifications to risk a life for missionary activities.