JHU calls for speedy presentation of anti-Conversion Bill

COLOMBO: The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) yesterday called for the speedy presentation of the Anti-Conversion Bill before Parliament in the teeth of the Supreme Court ruling that forcible conversion to another religion was unlawful.

JHU Parliament group leader Ven. Athuruliye Rathana Thera yesterday asked Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara as to why its Private Members' Motion was being held back even after six months of the Supreme Court verdict, which he claimed was an unlawful and undemocratic act.

Ven. Athuruliye observed that it was the bounden duty on the part of the Speaker and his staff to act in accordance with Standing Orders when an act in the form of a Private Members motion is presented to Parliament and give priority to same.

He said those holding contrary opinions are free to express their views in Parliament about the matter, but the JHU as a party feels it is incumbent on them to put a halt to the despicable practice of exploiting the plight of the poverty stricken Buddhists of this country to convert them to another religion using financial inducements.

The Ven. Thera said the Buddhasasana Commission report of 2001 recommended the introduction of legislation to halt this unethical practise and it was pursuant to this that they of the JHU brought in the Private Members Motion.

However in its place the then Cabinet decided to introduce a similar Act before the House.What made it withdraw this is Act.

He said they of the JHU put their full weight behind the victory of the President a time sections of the Catholic church openly worked to defeat for his defeat. Therefore, while being unethical on the one hand it was also undemocratic to prevent this law from being brought to Parliament.