False Social Media Reports on Buddhist Pilgrimage Ban Clarified – Dr. Anil Jayantha Never Made Such a Statement
By Editorial Team
July 22, 2026
In a formal communication addressed to media institutions and journalists, senior government officials have categorically denied recent social media reports claiming that a ban on Buddhist pilgrimages to India and Thailand was under consideration. The denial comes amid a wave of misinformation that has been circulating on various digital platforms, causing concern among the Buddhist community and threatening the country's interfaith and social harmony.
The Official Response
A letter of clarification, signed by high-ranking officials, has been dispatched to media networks across the country. The communication, which includes a copy of the alleged fake news report for reference, urges all media outlets to refrain from publishing or broadcasting the misleading content and to help curb its spread by providing accurate information.
In a heartfelt appeal, the signatory, a prominent figure identified within the correspondence, pleaded with the media to support the government's efforts to maintain peace and communal stability. "We kindly request you to refrain from giving wide publicity to these false claims. We are grateful for your usual cooperation in upholding truthful reporting," the letter reads.
The correspondence is signed by Padmamini Matarawela, who has addressed the communication to the media units of relevant government ministries and secretariats. It carries the clear instruction to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and confirms the direct line of communication from the Minister's office.
The Fake News and Its Origin
The core of the controversy revolves around a fabricated statement attributed to the Honorable Minister and former Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. Anil Jayantha Prananduwa. The false report, which first appeared on social media, claimed that the Minister had announced an intention to prohibit Buddhist devotees from undertaking religious visits to sacred sites in India and Thailand.
However, as per the official clarification, Dr. Anil Jayantha has made no such declaration. The government and the ministry have emphasized that the claim is entirely baseless and devoid of any factual foundation.
The government has identified the source of this disinformation as a small group with narrow, divisive political objectives. According to the official note, "It is evident that this false statement was disseminated by a group with the specific intention of destroying the social, political, and religious coexistence currently enjoyed in Sri Lanka."
Condemnation of the Disinformation Campaign
The authorities have expressed their profound disappointment and disgust at the level of the disinformation campaign. The letter strongly condemns the low-level, unethical tactics employed by the perpetrators to create unrest among the religious populace. "We express our sorrow and revulsion at such baseless lies," the statement adds.
The official further noted that these misleading posts have been circulated widely through social media networks such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter (X), and other private messaging platforms. The goal of these elements appears to be to tarnish the image of the Minister and the government, while simultaneously inciting communal tensions between Buddhist groups and other religious or ethnic communities.
Background: The Importance of Buddhist Pilgrimage
Buddhist pilgrimages to India and Thailand have immense religious and cultural significance for the Buddhist population in Sri Lanka. India is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and is home to the sacred sites of Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar. Thailand, known for its deep-rooted Theravada Buddhist traditions, is also a prominent destination for Sri Lankan Buddhists seeking spiritual enrichment, cultural exchange, and participation in international Buddhist conferences and Vesak celebrations.
Thousands of Sri Lankans embark on these pilgrimages annually, and any suggestion of a ban would not only be a severe blow to religious freedom but would also represent a significant diplomatic and economic disruption affecting the travel and tourism sectors of all three countries. The false report successfully generated anxiety among citizens who had been planning such trips, as well as travel agencies specializing in religious tourism.
Broader Implications of Social Media Misinformation
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked social media content. The viral nature of social media allows a single misleading claim to reach millions within hours, often outpacing official clarifications. The emotional and sensitive nature of religious matters makes such communities particularly vulnerable to propaganda designed to stir religious sentiments.
Sri Lanka has witnessed the destructive potential of social media misinformation in the past, notably during the 2018 anti-Muslim riots and the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, where unsubstantiated rumors exacerbated violence and public panic. In response, the Sri Lankan government has often urged internet users and content creators to exercise responsibility and adhere to the country's cybersecurity and defamation laws.
The Minister’s Stance on Religious Harmony
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Anil Jayantha Prananduwa has been known for advocating inclusive policies and respecting the religious rights of all communities. His previous public statements have emphasized the need to preserve the Buddhist character of the nation while ensuring the equal protection of all religions guaranteed by the Sri Lankan Constitution.
This is not the first time a government official has been the target of a false narrative aimed at disrupting the social fabric. The Minister has consistently promoted tourism and religious diplomacy as avenues for strengthening bilateral ties with nations like India and Thailand—twin pillars of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy.
Given the Minister's known stance on religious freedom, the report claiming he would support a ban on pilgrimages was widely regarded as incredulous by informed observers from the outset. Nevertheless, the campaign's success in gaining traction points to a pre-existing climate of mistrust among certain sections of the populace.
Call to Action for Media and Citizens
The letter from the ministry carries an urgent appeal to responsible media outlets and journalists. It asks that they:
1. Verify All Claims: Always cross-check potentially inflammatory news with the official press divisions of relevant government ministries.
2. Refrain from Amplifying Falsehoods: Avoid giving valuable airtime or print space to unverified reports, even when reporting that they are "alleged."
3. Publish Clarifications: Grant prominence to official corrections and denials to ensure the public receives accurate information.
4. Consider Legal Action: The authorities also hinted that legal action under the Prevention of Terrorism Act or the Computer Crimes Act could be initiated against individuals found guilty of creating and disseminating the fake content.
Citizens are also encouraged to report suspicious content to the Sri Lanka Police's cybercrime unit and the Human Rights Commission.
In an era where digital communication often outpaces verification, this incident underscores the fragile nature of truth in the modern media landscape. The government’s swift rebuttal of the fake news regarding the Buddhist pilgrimage ban demonstrates a commitment to transparency and the protection of religious rights.
Dr. Anil Jayantha's office has reiterated that his focus remains on the welfare of the people, the promotion of religious tourism, and the maintenance of friendly international relations. The public is urged to rely only on information disseminated through official channels and to avoid sharing unverified, potentially harmful content.
As the investigation into the origins of this fake news continues, the hope remains that robust dialogue and legal mechanisms will effectively curb such antisocial activities .