Foreign clerics ordered to leave

Rasika Somarathna

The Immigration and Emigration Department has requested a group of 161 foreign clerics to leave the country, for flouting immigration regulations.

Controller for Immigration and Emigration Chulananda Perera said the clerics, who had come from several countries had engaged in preaching while on tourist visas.

According to Sri Lankan visa regulations, tourist visa is only for holidaying and visiting friends or relatives and if tourists wish to engage in other activities they need to seek prior approval. Meanwhile, a Religious Affairs Ministry official said that foreign clerics (belonging to any religion) wishing to engage in religious activities in the country should seek prior approval from authorities to engage in such activities. Meanwhile sources said that there were ongoing efforts to negotiate a settlement.