Tourist raises concerns over Increasing Israeli presence in Arugam Bay

31 July 2025 08:32 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 54 Bookmark

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Colombo, July 31 (Daily Mirror) - While raising concern over the growing Israeli presence in the popular Sri Lankan coastal town of Arugam Bay, international DJ and tourist Tom Monagle alleged that the Sri Lankan government has been turning a blind eye to the matter.

In a video shared on his Instagram account, Monagle said, “I thought I was in Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka, but it kind of looks like Tel Aviv, Israel. Was Arugam Bay promised to them 50,000 years ago?”

He also posted several clips showing restaurants and wellness centers in the area, many of which prominently feature signage and menus in Hebrew. Some locations, he claimed, were displaying pro-Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stickers.

“It’s a very Hebrew-looking menu there. That’s more Hebrew. That’s a lot of Hebrew and pro-IDF stickers. I’m seeing a lot more Hebrew here than Sinhalese or Tamil. But we’re in Sri Lanka?” he questioned in the video.

Monagle further alleged that Israeli-run businesses were organising private events in Arugam Bay and, in some cases, denying entry to local Sri Lankans.

“As a tourist visiting the area, I don’t like sharing space with them,” he said.

"Israelis have come to Arugam Bay and they have done what they do best, taken over the place, stolen it, and made it feel as if you are in Tel Aviv," he claimed.

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