Religion & Culture

Dr. Hizbullah addressed the Minister regarding the administrative deregistration of approximately 350 Muslim social service and charitable organizations by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. He argued that no court order or legal decision had revoked the Department's registration authority, and that the Director could simply withdraw the deregistration letter to restore these organizations' functioning status without requiring new legislation or procedures. He cited the Sri Lanka Khateeb and Muazzin Welfare Organization — operational for nearly 30 years with around 10,000 members — as an example of an organization adversely affected, noting that deregistration had disrupted their banking and financial operations, and called on the Minister to direct the Department accordingly.

## Summary The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs responded to three questions regarding Islamic charitable organisations registered with the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. He confirmed that 435 (not 350) such organisations were deregistered on 24 September 2019 as an administrative decision based on prevailing circumstances at the time. The Minister clarified that the Department lacks the legal authority to re-register these organisations, citing a 2018 Trincomalee Civil Appellate High Court ruling that registration and regulation must instead proceed through the Waqf Board under Section 25 of the Muslim Mosques and Charitable Trusts (Wakf) Act No. 51 of 1956. As alternatives, qualifying organisations may also register under the Divisional Secretariat, Department of Social Services, or Registrar of Companies.

## Summary Dr. Hizbullah raised a question under Standing Order 27(2) to the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs regarding the mass deregistration of approximately 350 Islamic charitable organisations in 2019, which he states was carried out under a ministerial directive without specific investigations or individual findings against the organisations. He argued that these organisations had operated legally for decades, providing community services, cultural programmes, youth activities, and social harmony initiatives, and that their wholesale deregistration has caused significant hardship to the Muslim community and disrupted essential services. He contended that while individual organisations under suspicion could have been separately investigated, the blanket deregistration was undemocratic and unjust. He posed three questions to the Minister: whether the deregistration is acknowledged, whether steps will be taken to restore the registrations, and what specific measures have already been undertaken toward reinstatement.

The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, on behalf of the Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, posed Parliamentary Question No. 1370/2025 to the Minister of Environment. The question specifically sought information regarding the date on which the bicentennial celebration of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, was held. This appears to be the first part of a multi-part question seeking details about this commemorative event.

Hon. Ravi Karunanayake raised a supplementary question referencing the vandalism of a statue of Mr. Athulathmudali at Peradeniya four years prior, alongside the alleged misrepresentation of the Mahapola scholarship scheme. Speaking as a close associate of Mr. Athulathmudali, he called on the government to institute appropriate recognition and ensure that Athulathmudali is properly acknowledged as the originator of the Mahapola concept.

The Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs announced the "Yathivara Maapiya Nivahana" programme, a housing initiative for the parents of Buddhist monks who have entered the Sangha. Under the scheme, developed in partnership with the National Housing Development Authority, eligible parents will receive a grant of Rs. 1.5 million per house. Cabinet approval has been secured with presidential guidance, with plans to construct 1,000 houses island-wide in the current year, prioritising remote and underserved villages.

The Hon. T.K. Jayasundara raised a supplementary question regarding challenges facing the Buddhist clergy, including the issue of monks disrobing. Referencing media reports, he sought details from the Minister about a newly introduced programme called **"Yathivara Maapiya Nivahana"** (Shelter for Parents of Monks), specifically requesting information on its operational framework, the scale of assistance to be provided, and its implementation plan.

The Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs informed Parliament that a mechanism has been prepared under the **"Life to Heritage" programme** to conserve 1,000 heritage sites. He outlined plans to establish community protection committees at district and local levels, involving residents and stakeholders in conservation and stewardship efforts, and indicated that a positive update would be forthcoming.

## Summary Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake responded on behalf of the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to parliamentary questions regarding archaeological sites across six Divisional Secretary areas in the Galle District (Baddegama, Nagoda, Welivitiya Divithura, Niyagama, Thawalama, and Neluwa). He confirmed that identified sites are supervised through regional Department of Archaeology offices, with three Kandyan Kingdom-era temples specifically recorded, and that conservation programmes for wall paintings are currently underway at two viharayas. The Deputy Minister also acknowledged that some heritage sites have been targeted by treasure hunters, in some cases with political interference, and announced a new government initiative titled **"Life to Heritage"** aimed at conserving 1,000 archaeological sites nationwide alongside public awareness campaigns.

Hon. Ajith P. Perera directs a written question (No. 1846/2026) to the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs seeking detailed information regarding gold and jewellery assets held by the Kataragama Dewalaya. The question requests disclosure of the total weight of these items, confirmation of whether a proposal exists to sell them and remit proceeds to the Government, the security arrangements in place pending any auction, and the proposed sale methodology. The question implies parliamentary concern over the potential monetisation of religious temple assets and the transparency and safeguarding of such items during the process.