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Buddhist Religion - Conversion or Conviction by Prof. Bertram Batiampillai Venerable Soma Thera's Last Letter Engaging Our Neighbor's Faith Buddhism (Institute for Global Engagement) Churches The Catholic Bishop's Conference explains its stance on anti-conversion legislation (August 2004) Government Sinhala Commission Report with proposals for a new constitution International Jeffrey Lustead, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, on religious freedom in Sri Lanka (outside link) On November 19th, 2004, members of the United States Congress sent a letter (PDF format, 112k) to Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, stating their concern for the future of religious freedom in the country. The thirty-one signatories expressed deep concern over a proposed anti-conversion law and the threat it poses to religious liberty. Stating that the bills “appear to threaten the freedom of individuals in Sri Lanka to choose and/or practice their religion,” Congress urged President Kumaratunga to “make every effort” to both prevent the proposed bills from becoming law and to ensure the safety of targeted religious minorities. The Members also reminded the President that Sri Lanka has previously affirmed its commitment to religious freedom as a voluntary signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. |