Chief Prelates warn President over LGBTQ tourism plans

• States that they could harm cultural values and lead to serious social consequences 

The Chief Prelates of all three Buddhist Chapters have written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressing concern over certain government initiatives including LGBTQ tourism promotion, warning that they could harm cultural values and lead to serious social consequences.  

In their letter, the Mahanayakes pointed out that efforts aimed at promoting tourism through LGBTQ-related activities, could give rise to what they described as “serious social catastrophes.”   

Mahanayakes also raised objections to proposed amendments to the Penal Code, which seek to introduce an offence of corporal punishment, may have negative implications.   

The Prelates urged the President to reconsider these measures in order to safeguard the country’s cultural and religious traditions.