Freedom of Religion/History/Country sources/Sri Lanka
What is the oldest written source in this country that mentions this right?
Sri Lanka
Following its conversion to a republic within the British Commonwealth, Sri Lanka’s 1972 constitution was enacted. Chapter IV, Section 18 outlines the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the government and states, “every citizen shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and the freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.”
Sources:
“Northwestern SSO.” n.d. Prd-Nusso.it.northwestern.edu. Accessed June 21, 2024. https://heinonline-org.turing.library.northwestern.edu/HOL/Page?handle=hein.cow/zzlk0078&id=22&collection=cow&index=.
The Constitution provides freedom of thought and religion. It recognizes four religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam). It also designates Buddhism as the state religion, thus giving it priority (U.S. Department of State, "2018 Report on International Religious Freedom: Sri Lanka").