Amidst a whole range of confusing and conflicting view points for and against the proposed legislation in respect of the much verbalised theme of unethical religious conversions, there appeared recently a very sane suggestion in the national press, about the advisability of organising a broad based voluntary institution consisting of respected cleric and lay dignitaries from the four major religious faiths that could wield persuasive influence to conciliate and settle whatever inimical religious problems that may arise time and again in this diverse-conflict ridden land of ours.
There had been and there are conflicting written representations and public statements from both the clergy and laity — some earnestly stressing the need for legislation and others vehemently opposing such legislative measures.
Infact a leading multi-millionaire business magnate of a very high social stature is reported to have petitioned the international court of justice against the proposed piece of legislation.
Those who emphasise the necessity of legislation against unethical conversions - predominantly the Buddhists and in a lesser degree the Hindus — have quoted quite a number of factual cases of unethical conversions in poverty stricken backward village and urban areas.
Opponents of the proposed legislation — Viz: Representatives of the other major established Religious Sectors, white denying — such unethical conversions have pointed out the undesirability of legislation that would impinge on the fundamental rights of the individual which would also react in unorthodox suppression of the rights and belief of the minority religious sector as opposed to the majority sector.
On the other hand, these apprehensions are shown as based on unfounded fears.
In view of the pronouncement made by the Supreme Court in relation to certain clauses of the proposed piece of legislation, reflecting on the unconstitutionality of the process of punishment to be meted out to those who indulge in unethical conversions an oppressive, streak is reported to be discernible in the proposed legislation which could lead to varied other, divisive conflict and tension in our midst.
Aspects of mistrust and ill feelings are already seen to be emerging in various quarters to the disconsolation of well meaning people.
Such an antagonistic situation is not at all conducive to the much needed unity and strength among all our peoples.
At a time when LTTE terrorist on slaughts are seen to be making some headway in certain areas, it is absolutely imperative that we maintain and strengthen unity and appeasement among ourselves to ward off or counteract any incursions and prevent a resumption of "war fare".
The recommended socio-religious confabulatory organisation could be instituted regionally as well, to look into any possible eruption of unethical conversion cases and take necessary preventive or prohibitive action on a conciliatory settlement basis.
Some of the so-called foreign-funded welfare and charitable groups consisting of propagandist workers could be identified and their proselytising work projects spotlighted in the media and at public gatherings at a regional level to enable the relevant voluntary watchful units to eradicate such unethical conversions on a consult, compromise and consensus formula without resorting to harsh punitive measures.
This method of preventing unethical conversions is much better than legally provided legislative enactments which could pave way for various extremities in the implementation process of the concerned — legislation.
R. M. A. B. Dassanayake,
Matale.
