Last week VOM reported on a series of attacks on churches in Sri Lanka during the last weekend of November. The first weekend of December saw Christians being targeted in at least twelve new incidents of violence, according to VOM sources.
During the first week of December, a small group meeting for prayer in Ampegama was assaulted. A pastor leading the prayer meeting and some of the members were beaten by the assailants.
On December 7, three churches in Bulathkohupitiya in the Kegalle District were attacked by religiously motivated militants. Belongings were stolen, one church was burned, and church members were beaten. On the same day, the Assembly of God Church in Deraniyagala (Kegalle District) was also besieged as a mob smashed the church building's windows and doors, burned the belongings and threatened the lives of some church workers who lived in the building.
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On the afternoon of December 9, Buddhist groups held a rally in Embilipitiya (Ratnapura District). The speakers said that Christian churches were functioning illegally and should be attacked and smashed. The police were threatened not to intervene. That evening, several Christian organizations discovered just how serious these groups were. Police prevented an attack on a local Assembly of God Church, but the World Vision office and Catholic church were not spared. Soldiers from a nearby army camp attempted to prevent the Catholic church building from being burned, but were told by the mob to not intervene, claiming they had orders from "higher authorities." When the mob left, the military personnel extinguished the fire. In nearby Udawalawe, police warned the Assembly of God church of a potential attack, due to the spreading violence. After they left, the church was besieged by about thirty people, who smashed windows and doors and burned furnishings. The pastor managed to escape unharmed, but the home of another pastor was damaged by stones.
Pray that these increasing acts of violence will subside. Pray for wisdom for pastors and other church leaders, as they lead their congregations through these dangerous times. Pray for healing for those injured and for provisions for the churches which need to repair their buildings.
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