Page 1 — Introduction and Context 
Sri Lanka’s religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, and Hindus, face growing hostility amid political instability and economic crisis. While the country is constitutionally committed to religious freedom, in practice, minorities often endure harassment, violence, and discrimination. 

Political leaders and extremist groups have at times exploited religion to mobilise supporters, fuelling divisions that put minority communities at risk. This environment has deepened insecurity and prompted some citizens to seek safety abroad. 

Page 2 — Historical and Political Background 
Religious tensions in Sri Lanka have deep roots. During and after the civil war, Tamil Hindus faced militarisation and displacement. In the years that followed, anti-Muslim riots and mob violence intensified, often fuelled by extremist Buddhist nationalist groups. 

Christians, particularly those from evangelical communities, have also faced harassment, with restrictions placed on building churches or conducting worship. Political instability since the 2022 economic crisis has created further opportunities for scapegoating minority groups. 

These historical and ongoing patterns illustrate how political tensions aggravate religious divisions. 

Page 3 — Forms of Violence and Discrimination 
Religious minorities in Sri Lanka experience discrimination in various forms: 

- Mob violence: Attacks on mosques, churches, and temples by extremist groups. 
- Harassment: Intimidation of religious leaders and community members. 
- Restrictions on worship: Legal and social barriers to constructing or maintaining places of worship. 
- Political rhetoric: Leaders exploiting religious divisions to deflect from governance failures. 
- Lack of justice: Perpetrators of religious violence rarely face prosecution. 

These practices perpetuate fear and reinforce social exclusion. 

Page 4 — Consequences for Citizens and Society 
For minority communities, religious violence means displacement, fear, and economic insecurity. Many families are forced to migrate to safer regions within the country or abroad. 

For Sri Lanka as a whole, intolerance erodes social cohesion, weakens democracy, and undermines reconciliation after decades of war. Internationally, Sri Lanka faces criticism for failing to protect religious freedom and for allowing impunity for religiously motivated violence. 

The continued targeting of minorities risks worsening instability and fuelling further migration. 

Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion 
Protecting religious minorities is critical for Sri Lanka’s democratic and social stability. 

Key steps include: 
- Accountability: prosecute perpetrators of religious violence without bias. 
- Legal protections: strengthen laws safeguarding religious freedom and equality. 
- Community engagement: promote interfaith dialogue to reduce mistrust. 
- Political responsibility: end the use of religion as a tool for political mobilisation. 
- International partnerships: collaborate with global organisations to strengthen protections for minority groups. 

Until these measures are implemented, religious minorities in Sri Lanka will continue to face violence amid political tensions, threatening the country’s pluralism and long-term peace.