October 07, Colombo (LNW): In response to mounting concerns over the misrepresentation of major religions by fringe elements, the Sri Lankan government has announced a series of measures aimed at safeguarding the integrity of religious teachings and preventing social unrest.
Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake told Daily Mirror that advisory committees have been established for each of the country’s four principal religions—Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. These bodies will be tasked with reviewing and addressing the spread of misleading interpretations, while also offering guidance on doctrinal matters.
The move comes amid increasing incidents where self-styled preachers or unregulated groups have disseminated distorted narratives, sometimes fuelling tension within communities. One notable case in 2022 involved a controversial figure whose reinterpretation of Buddhist doctrine drew widespread criticism, leading to a temporary revocation of his licence to preach.
“To address this growing issue, we have now appointed advisory committees under the relevant religious affairs departments,” Dissanayake said. “These panels will monitor questionable teachings and provide expert guidance when interpretations appear to contradict established doctrine.”
Each committee will consist of seven individuals recognised for their expertise and authority within their respective religious traditions. Their responsibilities will include advising the Ministry, scrutinising emerging interpretations, and proposing corrective measures or policy changes where necessary.
The government hopes that these committees will act not only as watchdogs but also as educational bodies capable of promoting accurate religious understanding and preserving harmony in Sri Lanka’s multi-faith society.
The Deputy Minister also revealed that a specialised body, the Buddha Sasana Sabha, has been created to deal exclusively with issues related to Buddhism. This institution will intervene in matters requiring doctrinal clarification or when disputes arise within the Buddhist community.
In parallel, the Ministry has raised red flags over the financial activities of certain groups promoting unauthorised religious messages. According to officials, some of these organisations pose as charitable or religious institutions while engaging in dubious fundraising tactics—collecting money via online platforms, foreign sponsors, and informal donation drives, often without proper oversight.
Authorities are now considering tighter regulatory frameworks to monitor such financial flows and ensure that religious institutions operate transparently and within the law.
