by Our Correspondent in Colombo
In recent weeks, certain social media users and select groups have sought to stir racial and religious tensions in Sri Lanka by circulating claims about Israeli tourists in the popular surfing destination of Arugam Bay. These accounts, often stripped of context and heavy on speculation, have suggested there is growing hostility between the local community and visiting Israelis. Yet reports from local media, based on verifiable sources on the ground – many of them members of the area’s Muslim community – present a picture that is far removed from the alarmist narrative online.
S.M.M. Musharraf, former Digamadulla District Member of Parliament and now Chairman of the Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha, was unequivocal in his remarks. There is, he said, no crisis involving Israelis in the area. While acknowledging the sensitivities involved, he stressed that this matter is closely linked to the local economy and should not be inflamed by misinformation. He noted that although there is no substantial problem with Israeli visitors, there is some public suspicion, particularly regarding the so-called Shabbat House where Israelis gather once or twice a week for religious observance, before sharing meals and dispersing. Musharraf confirmed that this, along with reports of possible indirect business involvement, has been referred to the relevant authorities for further investigation. He said that while he has heard of Israeli-linked hotels displaying signs in Hebrew, he has no evidence of direct business operations, only accounts that some foreigners are engaging in tourism-related ventures through partnerships with Sri Lankans.
For those directly involved in the area’s tourism industry, the issue is one of law and regulation, not nationality. A.M. Jaufer, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism and Industry Board and a long-standing figure in Arugam Bay, described the local economy as being in a healthy state, with hotels full and visitor numbers high. He acknowledged that some foreigners, including Israelis, are involved in tourism enterprises, but emphasised that other nationalities are also participating. The more pressing concern, he argued, is the lack of formalisation within the sector: of the 232 hotels in Arugam Bay, only 50 are registered with the Tourism Development Authority. This gap creates a breeding ground for rumours of foreign domination, which could be dispelled by proper oversight. He also pointed to more fundamental challenges, including insufficient water and electricity supply, which undermine the visitor experience.
Muslim business owners in the area have spoken candidly about the need for fairness and factual clarity. Mohammed Iqbal, who owns the Bay Dreams Hotel, stated that it is acceptable for any foreign national to invest in the area, provided it is done legally. He expressed concern that persistent rumours about Israelis were harmful, especially given that many other nationalities were engaged in similar business activities. Abusali Muzammil, Chairman of the Arugam Bay Three Wheel Association, also stressed the importance of investigation to avoid misinformation spreading, noting that the Shabbat House functions primarily as a prayer centre, and that Hebrew signs mostly relate to menus and pricing. Similarly, Mohamed Imam, a local travel agency owner, described foreign visitors as an asset to the community, recalling how false claims of impending attacks on Israelis had caused a temporary drop in their arrivals, before numbers recovered. He stressed that those who contribute to the area’s economic well-being, regardless of origin, should be valued, and that any illegal activity should be dealt with according to the law.
From the perspective of tourists themselves, there is little sense of the tensions that social media claims have sought to promote. Russian visitors Lulia and Alex, returning to Sri Lanka for the second time, described the people as friendly and loving, and said they saw no difference in the atmosphere because of the presence of Israelis. Their experience mirrors the position of the local police. The Officer-in-Charge of Pottuvil Police, A.D. Kariyawasam, confirmed that he had received no reports or complaints about illegal activities involving Israelis and that the area remained peaceful.
While there is a visible security presence in Arugam Bay, including police, Special Task Force, army, navy and coast guard personnel, this appears to be precautionary rather than a response to any specific threat. In some cases, the online narratives have been plainly misleading. A recent anti-drug march by local schoolchildren, supported by various government agencies, was falsely portrayed on social media as a protest against Israelis. Such distortions risk sowing unnecessary suspicion and damaging the area’s reputation as a welcoming destination for international visitors.
The reality on the ground, as conveyed by residents, business owners, officials and tourists alike, is far from the notion of an anti-Israeli uprising or an emerging ethnic conflict. There are legitimate concerns about unregistered businesses and infrastructure shortcomings, but these are matters of governance and regulation, not race or religion. In a country still conscious of the dangers of division, the temptation to politicise tourism and inflame sentiment must be resisted. As the voices from Arugam Bay make clear, coexistence remains the norm, and the priority should be ensuring that all who invest in and benefit from Sri Lanka’s tourism industry do so lawfully. While social media can magnify falsehoods, the truth in this case is far quieter – and considerably more hopeful.
Bravo!
And thank you for this well written article and the correction of uncounted false reports.
We live permanently in Arugam Bay for almost half a Century.
And our entire family and specially our locally born & raised Children are proud to be in such a happy, mixed Community.
Some israeli surfers behave badly at main and potuvil point, this is unacceprable, and should be addressed !