Three Christians, Pastor Suresh Ramachandran, Pastor Christian Velu Selvarajah and Stephen Thomas, were arrested on charges of destroying two roadside Buddha statues in Ukelipitiya and Thalathuoya, Kandy District on May 27, according to a May 31 report from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. Ramachandran, who is also the principal of the Mt. Carmel Theological College, was released on May 28 after providing the police with a valid alibi. Buddhists angered by his release held demonstrations outside the college and Ramachandran has since received several threats. Selvarajah and Thomas, who deny the charges, are still in police custody. A hearing is scheduled for June 7.
Pray that the truth will come out in this situation and that the charges against these Christians will be dropped. Pray that Sri Lankan Christians facing persecution will not give in to fear but continue to trust in God (2 Timothy 1:7).
For more information on persecution in Sri Lanka, click here.