Ministry approval needed when setting up places of worship

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed Religious Affairs Ministry authorities to draft legislation requiring the Ministry authority before places of worship are constructed.

Accordingly, the Religious Affairs Ministry Secretary will grant approval for the construction of temples, churches, kovils etc with the recommendations of the Religious Affairs Minister.

The President has taken this decision to ensure the respect the public have towards places of worship. In regard to the formulation of the proposed legislation, the President further instructed the Religious Affairs Minister as well as Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister.