Anti-Conversion Law Moving Forward in Parliament

( ICC) – While the Jathika Hela Urumaya party Monks who are in Parliament have reiterated their commitment to bring in legislation limiting religious conversions, the newly appointed Minister of Buddha Sasana Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake who is a member of the government, at a press conference on 31st May 2004, pledged he would bring in necessary legislation to enact recommendations of the report of the Buddha Sasana Commission of 2002. The minister further revealed an intention to introduce legislation forming “Sanghadhikarana” (courts presided over by monks), to settle problems and disputes affecting monks and also villagers at the local temple without going to the police station or a Court. Following the Minister’s statement, there are speculations in the local press that the proposed anti-conversion bill will be tabled in Parliament soon.