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More than two hundred Buddhist monks are seeking election under the Jathika Hela Urumaya party, with the objective of establishing Sri Lanka as a Buddhist kingdom. Though the Jathika Hela Urumaya party is not expected to gain a large number of seats in the parliament, the party may have a decisive role if neither of the two major parties gains a clear majority. This is the first time that Buddhist monks have entered the election as candidates. They say they have entered the election because of political corruption and to work against alleged "unethical conversions." They are intending to push for anti-conversion legislation similar to that in several states in India.
Pray that the Sri Lankan government will continue to allow freedom of religion and that the new government will emphasize the equality of all citizens. Pray that there will be a continued decrease in violence against Christians and that the threats will abate.
For more information on the trials for Christians in Sri Lanka, click here.