Religious centres engaging in conversions to be raided: Minister

9 March 2024 10:49 am - 33 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, March 9 (Daily Mirror)- Steps will be taken to raid unregistered religious centres that are engaged in religious conversions in a move to stop such activities, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka said.

The Minister has instructed the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs to inform the police chief to carry out raids on unregistered religious centres that are engaged in religious conversions.

The Minister revealed this during a meeting with a group of prelates at the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

The discussion also focused on steps to be taken regarding issues related to religious places of worship, Buddhist monks and religious distortion.

It was also decided at the meeting to include titles 'Venerable' for Buddhist monks and 'Reverend' for ‘Bhikkhunis ' in their national identity cards and passports.

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Sivalingam Saturday, 09 March 2024 11:02 AM

Elections are coming, suddenly someone cares.

ANTON Saturday, 09 March 2024 11:09 AM

PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE THE FREEDOM TO SELECT THEIR OWN RELIGION NO MATTER WHATEVER IT IS.

Tissa Fernando Sunday, 10 March 2024 05:14 AM

But giving money to covert is not what is right? You support this because it suits you.

Can you? Sunday, 10 March 2024 11:48 AM

@Tissa Fernando! People who convert ONLY for money a capable of again and again converting to those religion that pays. They are not truthful and devoted to any religion. Don't forget there are people who vote for a political party for a packet of rice and bottle of arrack. Poverty had reached such levels that people are ready to do anything for very little money. Alleviate poverty and all this nonsense will automatically cease. Address the roote cause. Can you or any of your government do that?

Reply to Tissa Fernando Sunday, 10 March 2024 06:53 PM

Section 10 of Constitution of "democratic" Republic of Sri Lanka 10. Every person is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.

Anura Hettiarachchi Saturday, 09 March 2024 11:32 AM

Get your priorities right

Citizen k Saturday, 09 March 2024 11:40 AM

Religion is a person's choice and not for government control.

Sarath Saturday, 09 March 2024 11:53 AM

As long as it is not forced conversion does it matter? The bottom line is that we have a mind to think freely. If one comes to the realisation that one's belief should be changed it is that persons prerogative. After all isn't that how politicians exist .. by getting persons views and beliefs in political movement to change. If a religion is loosing its market share, take a hard look at the underlying reasons. It could be that they no longer see that religion as what they thought and were taught that religion to be, or see something more in another. That is the persons free choice, as we are not Marxists. We don't need religious police, unless bankrupt politicians need it for their votes in the upcoming elections.

Nihal S Saturday, 09 March 2024 12:06 PM

Another useless guy in the Government.

Tomyum Saturday, 09 March 2024 01:09 PM

If it's forces conversion raid the places If not raid you within your skull and search for a brain

A. Appuhami Saturday, 09 March 2024 01:12 PM

What's the desire is your religion being the new trend and when registered ones stand and deliver things politically, others try it throwing money.

Regina Saturday, 09 March 2024 01:13 PM

Children should be over 18 before they are handed over to the temples. Otherwise it can be classed as CHILD CRUELTY. Minister over to you. Let see the response to this reply.

Canton Saturday, 09 March 2024 01:18 PM

Giving religious fanatics titles isn’t going to solve anything. Just an ego boost to become even more extremist.

Spartacus Saturday, 09 March 2024 02:22 PM

When you don't have solutions and competencies to sort the countries dire problems, religeon and race related activities are the best diversions. Obviously we have 69% confirmed idiots in this nation who voted for this kind of baila in the last elections and screwed this country right royal. So let's do it again until we Sri Lankans will not even have shit left.

Lanka Saturday, 09 March 2024 03:50 PM

This kinds of stupidity sent Goata home and yet these people don’t understand religious freedom and people should have their freedom to practice religion… If they suppress them more and more it can have political consequences

Zee Saturday, 09 March 2024 04:20 PM

Religion is a personal matter. What I am and what faith I want to follow is my choice.

Chris Saturday, 09 March 2024 04:31 PM

Another crazy fellow stirring up religious tensions. Nobody can be forcibly converted. Only politicians in this country sell their soul for money.

Sambo Saturday, 09 March 2024 06:55 PM

After insipid politicians religion has become the downfall of this country. One is jealous of the other.

Buddhist Sunday, 10 March 2024 03:21 AM

Another thuggish action by the Government.

Clifton Sunday, 10 March 2024 05:19 AM

We need a law to ban religious fanatics. Giving them ‘titles’ is the stupidest thing I’ve heard of

Religions met needs of development of man Sunday, 10 March 2024 08:34 AM

If this rule had been applied 2500 years ago, we may not find any other religion than Hinduism in India and world over. When teachings of Old religions did not meet needs and were misused by those in power to enslave society, new ones appeared to guide man to the right path.

Current lot want to keep in power by keeping the everything horribly the same Sunday, 10 March 2024 08:02 PM

So true. There are the miniorty who are so fearful of change, or others changing religion that they bring out a big fuss. They feel insulted someone would change religion, and feel over sensitive about too many things. Those people sadly will definitely suffer a lot in the future, for their idolising and coveting of so called sacred things.

Gune Ayyiya Sunday, 10 March 2024 08:38 AM

Didn't Buddhism became a religion through conversion?

VJ Sunday, 10 March 2024 11:37 AM

Colonial invaders converted people by force. The bishop was right behind the generals during the invasion. The moguls gave only two choices for the Sikhs and Hindus, convert or die. Some convert when they lose faith in their religion. Some convert for financial incentives. Some convert for the purpose of marriage. However there are no laws preventing conversion.

Sira Sunday, 10 March 2024 01:18 PM

The coersion should be banned. The conversion should not be a condition for marriage. The financial or material benefits should be a condition for the conversion.

Foot note Sunday, 10 March 2024 01:31 PM

The majority going around worshiping all good and evil places are worried about and complain against conversions. Stick to one inherent religion or the religion you believe with a single mind and willing heart and justly rule the country.

Section 10 of Constitution of "democratic" republic of Sri Lanka Sunday, 10 March 2024 06:39 PM

10. Every person is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice. Over to you minister meet you in supreme court Section 10 of Constitution of "democratic" Republic of Sri Lanka

Dear minister Sunday, 10 March 2024 06:42 PM

I would like the minister to read Section 10 of Constitution of "democratic" republic of Sri Lanka

Patcitz Monday, 11 March 2024 12:36 AM

Yes, it is vital to act right now, whatever or whichever or whereever it is, unauthorized religous bodies around the island should be CLOSED.

Adwani Monday, 11 March 2024 08:06 AM

Vidura seems to be mentally sick person trying to depend on cheap publicity. Recently he was in the media about singing of National Anthem. No one can claim Reverend or Venerable, titles which directly speaks about wisdom and character. Many of the monks are criminals while Bhikkus are seen in violent protests.

Gonapala Balusinha Monday, 11 March 2024 10:34 AM

This Pin Batha has nothing to talk or do except licking RW and Myna backs to save another Pin Chance by misleading people!

Sammy Monday, 11 March 2024 01:52 PM

Unethical conversions through coercion or enticement and degrading other religions must be stopped. It is one thing to convert to or adopt a new faith out of personal choice but quite another matter to indulge in unethical conversions.

Basil c.fernando Tuesday, 12 March 2024 09:53 AM

Purpose of registration is what matters.sometimes birth control is done for the welfare of mothers and children.how would it seen when every house,and family in this nation is godly.religious

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Religious centres engaging in conversions to be raided: Minister

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