Amid a surge of social media speculation, Sri Lankan officials, business owners, and tourists confirm that Arugam Bay remains peaceful and welcoming to Israeli visitors. Local leaders stress that false narratives are harming tourism and the economy, urging focus on legal regulation and infrastructure improvements instead of racial or religious division.
In recent weeks, social media chatter and selective narratives have attempted to stir racial and religious tensions in Sri Lanka by circulating claims about Israeli tourists in the renowned surfing hotspot of Arugam Bay. Many of these posts, often lacking context and laden with speculation, have suggested rising hostility between the local Muslim community and visiting Israelis. However, on-the-ground reports from credible local sources paint a very different picture—one of calm coexistence and thriving tourism.
S.M.M. Musharraf, former Digamadulla District Member of Parliament and now Chairman of the Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha, has made it clear there is no crisis involving Israelis in the area. Acknowledging the sensitivities surrounding the topic, he emphasized that the matter is closely tied to the local economy and should not be inflamed by misinformation. While he admitted there is some public suspicion about the so-called Shabbat House—where Israelis meet once or twice a week for religious observance before sharing meals—Musharraf confirmed that these gatherings, along with unverified reports of indirect business involvement, have been referred to authorities for investigation. He noted that while Israeli-linked hotels may display Hebrew signage, there is no evidence of direct ownership, only partnerships between foreigners and Sri Lankans in tourism ventures.
Industry insiders say the real issue is not nationality, but adherence to law and regulation. A.M. Jaufer, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism and Industry Board and a long-time figure in Arugam Bay, described the tourism sector as strong, with hotels full and visitor numbers high. He acknowledged some foreign involvement, including from Israelis, but stressed that other nationalities are equally active. His greater concern is the lack of formal oversight: out of 232 hotels in Arugam Bay, only 50 are registered with the Tourism Development Authority. This regulatory gap, he warned, creates space for rumours of foreign dominance and undermines trust. He also cited ongoing challenges such as inadequate water and electricity supply, which impact the visitor experience.
Local Muslim business owners have also voiced the need for fairness and fact-based discussion. Mohammed Iqbal, owner of the Bay Dreams Hotel, said any foreign investment is welcome if conducted legally. He warned that persistent rumours about Israelis were damaging, especially when other foreign nationals are involved in similar enterprises. Abusali Muzammil, Chairman of the Arugam Bay Three Wheel Association, reiterated the importance of proper investigation, noting that the Shabbat House primarily serves as a prayer space and that Hebrew signs mostly relate to menus and pricing. Mohamed Imam, a local travel agency owner, called foreign visitors an asset, recalling how false reports of planned attacks on Israelis caused a temporary tourism slump before numbers rebounded. He stressed that all contributors to the economy, regardless of origin, should be valued, and any unlawful acts should be addressed under the law.
Tourists themselves report no sense of tension. Russian visitors Lulia and Alex, on their second trip to Sri Lanka, described the people as friendly and loving, with no difference in atmosphere due to Israeli visitors. Their experience aligns with statements from Pottuvil Police Officer-in-Charge A.D. Kariyawasam, who confirmed there have been no complaints or reports of illegal activity involving Israelis and that the area remains peaceful.
While a visible security presence in Arugam Bay includes police, Special Task Force, army, navy, and coast guard units, officials say this is precautionary, not reactive to any specific threat. Some social media narratives have been misleading—for example, a recent anti-drug march by schoolchildren, supported by government agencies, was falsely portrayed online as a protest against Israelis. Such misrepresentation risks sowing distrust and harming the area’s image as a safe and welcoming destination.
The reality, as conveyed by residents, business owners, officials, and visitors, is far from the notion of an anti-Israeli uprising or ethnic conflict. Legitimate concerns about unregistered businesses and infrastructure gaps remain, but these are governance issues, not racial or religious ones. In a country mindful of the dangers of division, the temptation to politicize tourism must be resisted. Voices from Arugam Bay affirm that coexistence is the norm, and the priority is ensuring all who invest in and benefit from Sri Lanka’s tourism industry do so lawfully. While social media can amplify falsehoods, the truth here is calmer and far more hopeful.
