The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced stricter visa procedures for foreign religious propagandists seeking to organize prayer meetings in Sri Lanka, following concerns over travel regulation abuse.
Authorities have noted an increasing trend of foreign preachers using tourist visas to conduct religious activities without the knowledge of local religious and cultural officials.
The issue gained attention after two evangelical pastors from India attempted to hold a two-day blessing festival in Jaffna. Following complaints and protests from local Hindu groups, immigration officials raided a congregation at Christ Evangelical Church in Matakal West, Jaffna District, on March 5, 6, and 7. About 100 people had gathered for the event, which was publicized as the church’s 7th anniversary celebration.
The two Indian pastors, identified as Edwin Glory Thomas and Johnson, had entered the country on 30-day tourist visas. Officials clarified that conducting religious activities without prior approval from the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Cultural and Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence is illegal.
Authorities emphasized that such unauthorized gatherings could lead to religious tensions, prompting the implementation of stricter visa regulations.
In a similar incident last year, renowned Tamil Nadu-based evangelist Paul Dhinakaran and his family were sent back from Jaffna following protests by Hindu groups.
The two Indian pastors involved in the recent case were ordered to return to Colombo and are set to be deported.
