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US warns Lanka on religious bill
Aid and trade concessions might be affected
The United States has expressed “grave concern” to Sri Lanka over moves to introduce legislation against religious conversions. US Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca, The Sunday Times learns, has told Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Bernard Gunatilleke that “religion cannot be legislated” and this was not something expected of Sri Lanka. She had reminded him the Government of Sri Lanka had given assurances at the highest level to US Ambassador Jeffrey Lunstead and the US administration that it would make sure a proposed bill would not become law.

Ms Rocca has explained that the Department of State was receiving numerous representations from Senators and Congressmen about the Government’s move. During a previous meeting, The Sunday Times learns, Ms Rocca had warned that pressure was building up and this could have adverse consequences on US aid and trade concessions to Sri Lanka.

Buddha Sasana Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, obtained approval from the Cabinet for a “Freedom of Religion Bill” in October 2004. This was gazetted on June 27, this year.

In terms of this draft law, “converting persons unethically, subjecting a person to punishment for refusal to convert, accosting people with a view to converting and holding funds for such activities are prohibited.” A person convicted for such offences after a summary trial before a Magistrate is liable to imprisonment up to five years and to a fine of up to Rs 100,000. Where such an offence is committed against a minor, the offender is liable to a term of up to seven years and to a fine of Rs 500,000.

According to the Bill, where the offence is committed in a school, an institution of higher education, a place under the control of armed forces or Police, a refugee camp or transit centre, a hostel, a hospital, a home for children, elders, sick or the disabled, such fact is deemed by the Bill to be an aggravating circumstance which shall be taken into consideration when imposing the penalty. If the offence is committed by a body of persons all members of the body are deemed to be guilty unless they are able to prove that it was committed without their knowledge.

JHU hits out
JHU Policy maker Champaka Ranawaka yesterday accused the government of trying to stall the process of enacting the anti-conversion bill due to international pressure.

He said the international community had been mounting pressure to stop the legislation, warning that the enactment would lead Sri Lanka to be termed as a country which restricted religious freedom.

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