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Sri Lanka

• Church Attacked Twice in Two Weeks

  For the second time in two weeks, the Assembly of God Church in Yakkala, Sri Lanka was attacked on May 23. After a mob of around fifty people invaded the pastor's home on May 16, demanding that he stop conducting services (click here for details), the pastor was told that his church would be attacked on May 23. Despite this warning, a worship service was held as usual. At the end of the service, around twenty people armed with clubs and sticks arrived. Fearing he would be beaten, the pastor hid and called the police. Smashing furniture and musical instruments, they also verbally and physically assaulted some of the congregation. When the police arrived, the attackers fled. One was caught and has been charged.

  Church building destroyed in 2003

  The Voice of the Martyrs is actively assisting Christians in Sri Lanka, who have suffered such attacks, to rebuild their lives through our "Families of Martyrs Fund." You can join us in helping these brothers and sisters know that they have not been forgotten through our secure online donation page (click here).

  Pray that this and other congregations in Sri Lanka will be free to worship without fear of attack. Pray for those who oppose them, that they will see the Spirit of God living in the believers.

  For more information on persecution of Christians in Sri Lanka,click here.

• Pastors Threatened by Mobs

  The pastor of the Prayer Tower Church in Mahawewa, Sri Lanka has been involved in building a new residence. However, rumours began spreading that he was building a Bible School, raising the opposition of local Buddhists. According to a May 18 report from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, a mob of around 400 people, including some from surrounding villages, surrounded his house on May 18, threatening him and destroying his water well. The pastor was warned to not report this incident to the police.

  Two days earlier, the home of an Assembly of God pastor in Yakkala was invaded by around fifty people, led by a Buddhist monk. After threatening him and demanding that he stop conducting worship services, they seized Christian literature and left.

  Pray for that these pastors and other Christians actively involved in ministry to Sri Lankans will find the strength of God's Spirit to continue, despite the opposition they face. Pray that the violence against Christians common in late 2003 will not resume.

  The Voice of the Martyrs is actively assisting Christians in Sri Lanka, who have suffered such attacks, to rebuild their lives through our "Families of Martyrs Fund." You can join us in helping these brothers and sisters know that they have not been forgotten through our secure online donation page (click here).

  For more information on Sri Lanka and the challenges facing Christians there,click here.

• Pastor's Home Attacked; Church Building Destroyed

  An independent evangelical church in Badulla, Sri Lanka was accused by the chief Buddhist monk of unauthorized building, despite a building permit the pastor had obtained in 2003. According to a May 3 report from the National Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, the monk filed a complaint with the Badulla police on April 29. That night, an unidentified group attempted to break down the doors of the pastor's house. When they were unable to do so, they began to throw kerosene on the house to burn it down with the pastor and his family inside. When neighbours shouted at them, the attackers left and destroyed the temporary structure being used to conduct services. They also pulled down the concrete pillars for the new structure being built.

  A complaint has been made to the police but there has been no investigation to this point. The pastor has expressed fear that the delay may be because a monk was involved in the incident.

  Pray for the pastor and members of this church. Pray that freedom of religion for Christians will be fully respected in Sri Lanka, and that authorities will investigate this recent incident.

  For more information on Sri Lanka,click here.

• Closed Church Reopens for Easter to Face Attack

  Facing repeated threats and attacks by militant Buddhists, a church in Wadduwa village in the Kalutara district of Sri Lanka was forced to sign a temporary agreement to close in December 2003. Local monks had gone to the police, claiming that the church was illegal. After being closed for three months, it was decided to reopen the church for services on Good Friday, despite concerns raised by local police about the risk of further attacks.

  Such an attack came on Easter Sunday. While about one hundred Christians were gathered to celebrate Christ's resurrection, a mob of around thirty people, led by an influential Buddhist monk, Ven. Rahula of Bodhidhumaramaya, Talpitiya Wadduwa, disrupted the service. They broke the church windows with rocks and demanded that the Christians come out. According to an April 13 report from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, when the worshippers came out of the building, they were slapped and beaten with sticks. About ten people were injured, including women and children.

  The tranquil appearance of the resort town of Wadduwa masks the turmoil facing Christians

  Though a complaint was made to the police, the pastor has been warned that it would not be in his own best interests to identify those responsible for the attack. A few arrests were made, but they were released with the consent of the pastor, who feared for the safety of himself and his members.

  Pray for emotional and physical healing for those injured in this attack. Pray for the church in Wadduwa, as they deal with this incident as well as decisions about future services. Pray for believers in Sri Lanka as they face continuing acts of violence. On April 12, a group of unidentified persons attempted to destroy the home of a pastor in Mahaoya with homemade kerosene bombs. Thankfully no serious damage was done.

  For more information on persecution of Christians in Sri Lanka,click here.

• Elections Raise Concerns for Christians

  Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera, one of the monks running for election

  As Sri Lankans go to the polls on April 2, Christians around the world are encouraged to be in prayer. For the past three weeks, leading up to the parliamentary elections, the intensity of attacks against Christians has decreased, though threats have continued.

  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.

• Police Negligence Apparent in Recent Attacks

  A report received on February 18 from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka outlines several attacks on Christians on February 14-15, including the following:

  According to one unconfirmed report, three Christian workers were visiting a Christian's home in Katugasthota, Nuwara, on February 14 when they were forcibly taken to the Buddhist temple. There the monk summoned the villagers who assaulted them. When their pastor and others came to assist, they were taken to the police station where they were held until the next day.

  The Apostolic Church in Boraluwewa, Kuliyapitiya, has been under constant threat, as opponents have been attempting to close the church. On January 28, police advised the pastor worker to not call them if the church is attacked. Nevertheless, when the worker received information that an attack was planned for February 15, he called the police. The police never arrived. Two hours later, a crowd of around one hundred people gathered, destroying the church and the pastor's living quarters. The worker and his pregnant wife managed to escape but all of their possessions were destroyed. They are now living in a safe house. A police report was filed and five people have been arrested. However, a neighboring Christian has been threatened and is being prevented from leaving his house to make a police complaint. Pastors and other Christian leaders are unable to visit the site, since villagers are keeping anyone from entering the area.

  Sri Lankan Christians gathered for worship

  In Kurundugaha Hathapma, the home where the Calvary Church meets was also attacked on February 15. The homeowner managed to escape with only slight injuries. His wife, however, was trapped in the home where she was threatened with death if they continue to hold services. Many of their belongings were destroyed. Police have been informed and the family has asked for a police guard, but the protection has not been provided.

  Pray for provision for these poor families who have lost their belongings as a result of these attacks. Pray that the authorities will provide the protection needed. Pray that, through incidents such as these, the Buddhist villagers will see the love of Christ in the lives of those they oppose.

  For more information on Sri Lanka, go towww.vomcanada.com/srilanka.htm.

• Buddhist Monks To Run in National Elections

  When Sri Lankans elect a new government on April 2, religion will play a significant role. The Supreme Council of Monks had been pressuring the two main political parties, pledging their support if the party would enact new laws banning "unethical conversions." When it appeared that neither party would accept these conditions, the monks put forward the names of 260 leading monks as candidates under the Jathika Hela Urumaya Party ("National Heritage Party").

  Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera

  This is the first time that Buddhist monks have entered Sri Lankan politics as candidates and their presence in the political arena is causing concerns among Christians who have been facing severe persecution in recent months. The monks pledge to build a nation based on "Dhamma values" (the basis of the Buddhist worldview) and said that they entered the race because of political corruption and concerns about alleged "unethical conversions." One of the monks running for office, Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera, is regarded by many as the successor to the Gangodawila Soma Thera who recently died amidst controversy. Thera said, in defending the decision to enter politics, that they will give "due place" to other religions and there would be no threat to them. However, many of the acts of aggression against Christians in recent months have been organized and led by Buddhist monks.

  Pray that God will intervene in the election process in Sri Lanka and that the elected government will recognize the religious rights of all people. Pray for continued peace for Christians during this time of uncertainty.

  For more information on persecution in Sri Lanka, go towww.vomcanada.com/srilanka.htm.

• Arrests Made in Attack on Relief Agency

  World Vision has often been accused of prosyletism by Buddhist nationalists in Sri Lanka

  Nine men, including three Buddhist monks, have been arrested following a mob attack on February 9 on the World Vision office in Kebethigollawa, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. According to the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, a mob of over a dozen men stormed the building, throwing gasoline bombs at the facility.

  Arrests for religiously motivated crimes against Christians have been rare in Sri Lanka. However, the President and Prime Minister have both called for action to prevent a continuation of the violence seen in recent months.

  Join in thanking God that the authorities appear to be taking action to prevent this violence. Pray that this will be a deterrent against further attacks. Pray that those responsible for these attacks will see the love of Christ in the lives of Christians around them and seek that peace and love for themselves.

  For more information on the plight of Christians in Sri Lanka, go towww.vomcanada.com/srilanka.htm.

• Intimidation Used to Stop Services

  In response to the violence facing Christians in recent months, the Sri Lankan authorities have set up local peace committees involving the local police, Buddhist monks and Christian clergy. The purpose of these committees is to peacefully resolve issues to prevent further violence. However, according to a report received on February 2 from the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (EASL), it is becoming common for Christian clergy to be verbally abused and threatened during these meetings. During the meetings, police have ordered churches to stop meeting unless they are registered with the government, even though registration is not required by law. Christians were told that they could not meet in homes for prayer unless they are residents of the home, despite constitutional guarantees to the contrary. As a result of these threats, some of the pastors have stopped all services.

  Church Attacked in Mattegoda

  In the past couple of weeks, the intensity of attacks against churches has been slowing, though sporadic acts of violence are continuing. The January 28 Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on a Catholic church attacked in the village of Mattegoda (see www.vomcanada.com/lk-2004-01-28.htm). In their latest report on persecution, the EASL reported three additional incidents between January 25 and 29.

  On January 25, a pastor in Mathugama was bound, blindfolded and assaulted when four men broke into his house at night. That same evening, in Makola, the Bethany Church was stoned and the roof damaged.

  In Homagama, a pastor who has been under police protection since December was threatened with death if he did not leave the town. Two men walked into his house, while a police constable was present, and threatened him at knife-point.

  Pray that Sri Lankan Christians will have the legal protection afforded them under the law. Pray for strength and continued endurance in the face of the pressure and dangers facing the Church in Sri Lanka.

  For more information on problems facing Christians in Sri Lanka, go towww.vomcanada.com/srilanka.htm.

• Armed Guards Protect Latest Attacked Church Building

  Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga

  The Sri Lankan government has posted armed guards around the Church of Our Mother Most Pure in the village of Mattegoda located east of Colombo after a mob of approximately twenty men vandalized the church building on January 26. The attack came only three days after Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga said that tougher action would be taken against those initiating the anti-Christian violence.

  There were no injuries in the attack, but religious statues were smashed with clubs and Bibles and hymnals were set on fire, destroying much of the building. Srahi Bonso, a church director, told Associated Press, "This church has been standing for the last 14 years... now all that remains is the roof and walls."

  Pray that the escalation of violence against Sri Lankan Christians will stop and that believers will be free to worship without fear. Pray that the authorities will take action, despite pressure from a strong Buddhist lobby.

  For more information on persecution in Sri Lanka, go towww.vomcanada.com/srilanka.htm.