Villagers and Buddhist monks in Hiriketiya have staged a protest calling for the removal of a recently established Chabad House in the popular southern coastal area.
The protest was held about a month after the facility opened in Hiriketiya, a surfing and tourism destination on the southern coast.
Protesters alleged that the facility had been established without obtaining the necessary approvals, and claimed its presence was affecting harmony within the local community.
A group of Buddhist monks and residents who took part called on the relevant authorities to investigate whether the establishment is operating in accordance with the required legal and regulatory approvals.
They further urged authorities to take appropriate action — including its removal — if it is found to have been established or operated without the necessary approvals.
No response from the operators of the facility, or from the local authorities named by the protesters, has been reported so far. LankaNewz has not independently verified the protesters’ claims about the facility’s approval status.
