Archives

Protection laws for all religions soon

The Ministry of Buddhasasana will introduce the Protection of Religions Act in the Parliament shortly to foster religious harmony while protecting religious symbols of all religions from being defamed, abused or commercialised.

The Buddhist Affairs Commissioner, H.A.D. Sunil said yesterday that the proposed law was in keeping with President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga's call at the 59th sessions of the UN General Assembly that due respect be shown for religious symbols and practices.

Buddhasasana Ministry Secretary D.W. Abeywickreme told the Daily News he had been informed by the legal draftsman that the Protection of Religions Act had been finalised.

Abeywickreme said: "The new Act will prevent religious symbols from being commercialised or defamed".

The Secretary blamed Shakthi TV, a Sirasa channel for being neglectful and irresponsible in telecasting a program with visuals showing men and women dancing in front of a large Buddhist statue.

"This was telecast on October 19 morning and without any meaning whatsoever. Sirasa authorities did not stop it even after they were informed by me," he said.

"Acts of this kind caused against any religion would be brought to a halt once the Act is in full force," he said.

www.ceylincoproperties.com

www.Pathmaconstruction.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright © 2003 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager