Amidst growing concern of foreigners illegally engaged in businesses in Sri Lanka, majority of businesses involving Israelis are owned by Sri Lankans, authorities revealed.
According to acting director of the Police Tourist Division, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Prabath Vidanagama, while some of these ventures are solely run by foreigners, many are fronted by locals.
“In certain cases, the businesses are registered under Sri Lankans, but in reality, the operations are handled by foreigners. This is a concerning issue. However, we have already taken steps in cases where the businesses are completely owned and operated by foreign nationals,” ASP Vidanagama stated.
He said that police, in coordination with other enforcement agencies, have begun identifying foreigners involved in business activities, particularly in tourism hotspots such as Arugam Bay and Weligama.
These individuals, often operating under tourist visas, are violating conditions that strictly prohibit commercial engagement.
“We are currently gathering intelligence and verifying the details of foreign nationals who are engaged in business ventures while staying in the country on tourist visas,” he said. “This is especially prevalent in tourist-heavy areas like Arugam Bay and Weligama.”
The move comes in the wake of growing public concern, following reports that several Israeli nationals had been operating businesses while in Sri Lanka on tourist visas.
Source – Dailymirror