The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs is preparing to hold discussions on tensions arising over the presence of more recent religious groups that have entered the country, with officials looking at both short-term and long-term measures to address disputes involving such groups.

The issue has gained attention following a protest by villagers and Buddhist monks in the Hiriketiya area against a recently established Chabad House, a Jewish community and outreach centre.

When contacted by The Daily Morning, Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary W P Senadheera said several religious groups that have entered Sri Lanka in the recent past operate in different parts of the country and that Sri Lankan nationals are also members of these groups.

He said they faced difficulties in taking immediate action when members of the public protested against such groups, as those affected could raise human rights concerns or accuse the Ministry and other relevant institutions of restricting freedom of speech if interventions were made.

Senadheera said although there have been protests against some of these groups, immediate action could not be taken and that a committee was examining the situation. "Our Ministry is mainly working on the affairs of the main four religions. However, since these groups also have Sri Lankan members, we now have to look into issues concerning them as well. A committee is currently studying this matter and it will make recommendations."

The protesters in Hiriketiya have alleged that the centre was established without the required approvals and that its activities could affect relations within the local community.