Photographs: ynetnews.
An Israeli tourist was injured in Arugam Bay after leaping from a moving tuk-tuk to escape an attempted robbery, in an incident that has again drawn attention to the presence of Israeli tourists on the island.
According to a report in ynetnews, Matityahu Korman, an ultra-Orthodox man from Jerusalem, had been visiting the coastal town and was returning from the controversial Chabad House in the region when he was approached by a driver offering to take him to see elephants. The driver, later identified as Abd al-Karim, initially accompanied Korman to scenic spots and even photographed him on his phone. However, the trip took a darker turn when the tuk-tuk diverted onto an isolated road.
The driver reportedly seized Korman’s passport, cash and credit cards, photographing his personal details before demanding money. Korman pleaded for the return of his belongings, ultimately being forced to hand over 5,000 rupees and later another US$100 under threat of harm.
As the vehicle diverted once more onto a remote track, Korman feared for his life and hurled himself from the moving tuk-tuk near a military checkpoint. He sustained injuries to his right arm and legs but managed to escape. Soldiers and other drivers intervened as the assailant attempted to claim Korman was drunk.
Korman made his way back to the Chabad House, where emissary Rabbi Avraham treated his wounds. Police later arrested the driver but offered Korman a choice: pursue a lengthy legal case or accept restitution and withdraw charges. He opted for the latter, receiving US$150 and 10,000 rupees seized from the driver, who was ordered to bow in apology before being released.
“I didn’t need his apology,” Korman said, warning other tourists to travel in groups. “If you travel alone, you must be very cautious.”
The incident comes against a backdrop of mounting controversy surrounding Israeli religious centres and tourists in Sri Lanka. Earlier this year, a Chabad House in Arugam Bay was revealed to have been the focus of an alleged terror plot, with diplomatic missions warning of a “serious risk” of attack on tourist hotspots.
Israeli businesses and unregistered religious sites across the island have drawn criticism, with Sri Lankan authorities later admitting the existence of multiple unauthorised Israeli religious centres operating without oversight.
The influx of Israeli visitors has also been politically contentious. Despite international condemnation of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, Colombo recently waived visa fees for Israeli tourists. This move has been criticised as prioritising financial gain over accountability, especially given allegations of war crimes against Israeli soldiers — one of whom fled Sri Lanka earlier this year after being confronted over his role in atrocities.
