The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced stricter visa regulations for foreign religious propagandists seeking to organize prayer meetings in Sri Lanka. The move comes amid rising concerns over preachers entering the country on tourist visas and conducting religious events without official clearance.
The issue came to light when two Indian evangelical pastors, Edwin Glory Thomas and Johnson, attempted to hold a two-day blessing festival at Christ Evangelical Church in Matakal West, Jaffna. Acting on complaints from local Hindu groups, immigration officials raided the gathering, where around 100 people had assembled. The pastors, who arrived from Bangalore on tourist visas, were taken in for questioning and later ordered to leave the country.
Officials stress that conducting religious events requires prior approval from the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Cultural and Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence before applying for a religious visa. Authorities warn that unauthorized religious gatherings could disrupt communal harmony, citing a similar incident last year when Tamil Nadu-based evangelist Paul Dhinakaran was deported following strong local opposition.
The government reiterates that strict visa procedures will be enforced to prevent misuse and maintain religious harmony in the country.
