Sri Lanka drafts law to promote religious harmony

On May 7th, 2023, Buddhist devotees gather around an illuminated Kelaniya Buddha Temple to celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. PHOTO AFP COLOMBO - Sri Lanka's Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs is drafting a new law to promote religious harmony, state media reported on Sunday, quoting the minister's chief Vidura Wickramanayaka.

Wickramanayaka said the new law would require all Sri Lankan religious institutions to register with the government, which would allow the government to monitor and track religious activities, and intervene to prevent religious conflicts.

By registering religions, the government can better understand Sri Lanka's religious landscape, Wickramanayaka said.

The new legislation is necessary due to various issues related to the management of religious institutions, the minister said.

Experts warn that there is a growing threat of extremism.

He said he plans to present a draft bill promoting peaceful religious coexistence to the cabinet within the next few weeks.