The Religious Affairs Ministry intends to introduce a legislation that enables authorities concerned to take action against anyone distorting the original teachings of the four main religions- Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity, officials said yesterday.

Ministry Secretary M.K.B. Dissanayake told the Daily Mirror that a dialogue with the relevant stakeholders had been initiated in this regard to introduce such a law in the country.  However, Mr. Dissanayake said the Ministry is yet to identify modalities for a mechanism to curb distortions of original teachings of the main religions.

“It is a difficult task. We are yet to draft the bill to be presented in Parliament,” he said.

In Sri Lanka, there are cases where various religious cults have been formed challenging the original teachings. 
 
Asked whether a new law would be introduced to deal with sacrilegious items   being imported to the country, he said such activities should be curbed through the normal law of this country only. (Kelum Bandara)