Govt. to raid unregistered places of worship that sow discord among Sri Lankans

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickramanayake yesterday said that arrangements were being made to raid unregistered places of worship.

Minister Wickramanayake told The Island that there were relevant authorities set up for the main four religions to register their institutes. There is a Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs, Commissioner of Christian Affairs, Commissioner of Hindu Religious Affairs and Commissioner of Muslim Religious Affairs. We have noted that many places of worship operate without being registered with these authorities. It is against the law. We have also observed that there are some unregistered religious institutions that cause religious disharmony,” the Minister said.

It is mostly those taking shelter in such places who have issued statements denouncing other religions and faiths. They are a threat to reconciliation. I have issued instructions to Ministry officials to inform the IGP to raid the unregistered places of worship,” the Minister said.