The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced stricter visa procedures for foreign religious propagandists seeking to hold prayer meetings in Sri Lanka.
Authorities have raised concerns over foreign preachers entering the country on simple tourist visas to conduct religious events without proper clearance from local religious and cultural officials.
The issue came to light when two Indian evangelical pastors attempted to organize a two-day blessing festival in Jaffna, which was halted by immigration officials following complaints from local Hindu groups.
Officials raided a gathering at Christ Evangelical Church in Matakal West on March 5-7, where around 100 people had assembled for the event.
The two Indian pastors, Edwin Glory Thomas and Johnson, had entered Sri Lanka from Bangalore on tourist visas but were found to be engaged in religious activities without prior approval.
Authorities clarified that any foreign national conducting religious programs must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Cultural and Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence before applying for a proper visa.
The unauthorized event in Matakal had caused tension among local Hindu groups, prompting authorities to intervene.
Last year, Tamil Nadu-based evangelist Paul Dhinakaran and his family were also sent back from Sri Lanka after protests over their planned religious event in Jaffna.
The two Indian pastors’ passports were seized, and they were ordered to return to Colombo immediately, pending their deportation.
