January 09, Colombo (LNW): Vidura Wickramanayaka, the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, announced the government’s intent to introduce fresh legislation aimed at preventing the intentional distortion of religious teachings and practices. This decision comes in the wake of recent incidents involving a religious cult that resulted in multiple suicides, prompting concerns about community disharmony.
Investigations led by the Police uncovered that an individual named Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne (47) had been promoting the concept of suicide in relation to the next birth during his preaching. Shockingly, seven reported suicides across the country were linked to his religious teachings before he himself succumbed to suicide at his residence in Homagama.
Minister Wickramanayaka highlighted that the Cabinet of Ministers has already assembled a committee tasked with investigating matters associated with the manipulation of religious teachings and practices.
Emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment where individuals can freely practice their religions within legal boundaries, the Minister stressed the necessity of this legislation to safeguard against distortions that could potentially disrupt communal harmony.
