The Sri Lankan government on Friday ordered mosques to clamp down on extremists and to submit copies of sermons in new fallout from the Easter suicide bombings that left 258 dead.
The Ministry of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs said mosques must not be used for radicalising congregations. “In view of the prevailing situation in the country, the Ministry directs all trustees of mosques not to engage in or permit any gathering to promote or propagate hatred or extremism in any form,” the Ministry said.
It said all mosques must submit copies of sermons given within their premises.
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Sri Lankan radicals who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group have been been blamed for the April 21 bombings at three Christian churches and three luxury hotels.
Since the attacks, the government has carried out raids across the country and killed several suspected radicals. At least 56 suspects are in custody, according to the police, while authorities have also expelled 200 foreign clerics who had overstayed their visas.