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Sri Lanka

• Christian Women Brutally Assaulted

  This morning, September 24, The Voice of the Martyrs received a very disturbing report from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. We apologize for the length of the following account, but felt that it could be best told in the words of the Senior Pastor of the church involved.

  On Tuesday, 16th September 2003, the four Christian workers attached to the Assembly of God, Kotadeniyawa went to the church property at Green Gardens, Mihirigama Road, to erect a fence on its perimeter. The property had been purchased by our church six months before. Sister Ayesha was pastor of the branch church and had been working in Kotadeniyawa for four years. The other three Christian workers were Sisters Shyama, Indika and Sharmila. Kotadeniyawa is located about 30 km North-East of Ja-Ela and about 45 km from Colombo.

  While the concrete posts were being fixed in place, the monk from the Erabadda Temple, Rev. Buddhapriya, came into the premises and wanted to know what they were doing. Our workers had said they were fencing the property that belonged to us. He had then abused them with foul language and told them to stop work immediately or face death. He said, "You may have to be hospitalised in the process." He also said that he would be returning in two hours time to see whether the work was continuing. Sister Ayesha called me immediately and informed me regarding the threats. I instructed her to go to the Kotadeniyawa Police Station and lodge a complaint. When she went and spoke to the OIC [Officer-In-Charge] he called the Buddhist Monk and got him down to the Police Station. In the Police Station this Buddhist Monk vehemently opposed our presence in this place and demanded that we leave the area. After lodging her complaint at the Police Station ( MOIB No.324/183 of 17/9/2003), Sister Ayesha returned and continued with the fencing.

  Since the work needed to be completed, the four girls, who lived several kilometres away in a place called Nalla, decided to stay over night in the house adjacent to our property. Somawathie a member of our church who owned this property had handed this house to us until she returns from the Middle East.

  Around 10 p.m. on the same day they heard the sound of the concrete fence posts being broken. Immediately Ayesha and Shyama stepped out and flashed a torch. They saw about 30 men destroying the fence posts. When the men saw the girls they charged at them, but the girls got into the house and locked the doors. The men broke both the front and rear doors and entered the house and dragged the girls out. This house did not have electricity and the entire area was in darkness. They beat the girls saying, "do not convert our good Buddhists by offering them money." While beating them, they demanded that they confess that Buddha was God. When they could not get them to repeat those words, the others in the group told the men not to do that. Some of the men were bent on raping them, and the girls had to struggle, receiving many bruises on their bodies. The men pushed Shyama to the ground, and one man said that she was good for him. The men smelt of liquor, and although the girls were frail they were not able to rape even one - we believe they were divinely protected. In their frustration the men continued to kick, trample and beat the girls. Knowing that their plan was foiled they now accused them of being prostitutes, screaming out that they had raided a brothel and had caught four prostitutes - they said that there were four men inside who had escaped. It was around 11 in the night, and they forcibly took the girls to the Police Station, about a kilometre away. Although the girls were screaming for help, nobody came to their rescue. Several lights that were put on in houses were quickly switched off when the girls were being marched along the road. The girls were kicked and beaten by the men who followed them. Sister Ayesha and Sister Indika received most of the kicks as they walked behind the other two. Sister Ayesha had lost her spectacles and her wristwatch in the process of the assault. The men also knew that Sister Ayesha was the leader of the group.

  The girls were in excruciating pain when they arrived at the Kotadeniyawa Police Station. But they had to wait for the OIC who was not at the premises. The assailants fabricated and lodged a complaint, saying that they had raided this house and found it to be a brothel, and therefore dragged these 'prostitutes' and brought them to be handed over to the Police. The OIC came to the Police Station around midnight, the girls were asked to sit and wait with no medical attention whatsoever. Sister Ayesha asked the OIC to allow her to take a call to me; but he did not allow her to do so. The Police did not record any statement from these four girls. The OIC was well aware that a few hours before, Sister Ayesha had complained to the Police regarding the threats from the Buddhist Monk. He did not even listen to the story the girls had to say; neither did he visit the site of the attack. He kept the girls waiting till about 2 in the morning in the Police Station and had discussions with the men. Thereafter he had the four girls taken in a Police jeep to the Divulapitiya hospital. While travelling to the hospital, at about 2 o'clock in the morning, Sister Ayesha managed to call me using her mobile phone. She told me in brief that they were beaten and were being taken to the Divulapitiya hospital. I told them that I would come immediately.

  I took Pastor Jayananda, his wife Sis.Judika and Pastor Jayasuriya and rushed to the Divulapitiya hospital, reaching there at about 3 a.m. The District Medical Officer examined the girls and said that he needed to ward Sister Ayesha, but not the others. However, the Police officers said that they needed to take the girls back to the Police Station to record their statements. We arrived at the Kotadeniyawa Police Station at about 4 a.m. The girl's statements were recorded. (MOIB No. 330/187 of 18/9/2003) I, as Senior Pastor, was asked to make my complaint, which I did. I then told the Police officer that I needed to take them away, as they were in pain. He told me that the OIC has given instructions that he needs to visit the site with the girls and he wanted us to wait. Each time we asked for him they said that he was sleeping and would come soon. At 6.15 a.m. (18th September) I insisted that I needed to take the girls away and I could not wait any longer for the OIC to come. Then two Police Officers, one armed with a gun, came with us to the site of the attack. The Police officers recorded that 51 concrete posts were broken to the ground, the front and the rear doors of the house were broken and the furniture within destroyed, a gold chain and pendant belonging to Sister Shyama had been broken and stolen when they attempted to remove her clothes. The motorcycle was damaged, the kitchen was damaged and the crowbar from the house was missing.

  We came back to the Police Station at about 7 a.m. I saw the OIC in his room and went to him and told that we were here from the early hours of the morning, that the girls were in unbearable pain and without any sleep, and that I needed to take them away. He told me that they could not be taken away as his superiors had requested him to produce them in courts. I told him that the girls were the ones who were attacked and we had lodged our complaint. Why then should these girls be produced in the courts? I also asked him why the ones who did this were not in custody. He replied that they too will be produced at the court, and he wanted me to come to the Minuwangoda Magistrates Court at 10 a.m.

  It was very evident that the OIC had been influenced by the Buddhist Monk, and had proceeded on the allegation that the girls were prostitutes, without any evidence for it. He did not take the trouble to even visit the site. The girls, shabbily dressed as they were after the attack, were produced before the Minuwangoda Magistrate at 11.30 a.m. on the 18th of Sept. 2003. The Judge reprimanded the Police for charging these young girls of being prostitutes without any medical evidence. This was the first time in their lives that they went to a Police Station and were produced in a court. In addition to their physical suffering, the girls, are in severe pain of mind due to their public humiliation, and the accusation of being prostitutes. They and their family members are distressed that they thereafter have to face a medical examinations to prove that they are not prostitutes.

  At the courts, only three of the accused were produced before the Judge, the Buddhist Monk who was the first accused in our complaint was not produced to the courts. The three girls were released on a surety bail, as were their assailants, and are to be produced in court again on 6th October 2003. The disgraceful handling of this situation by the OIC of the Kotadeniyawa Police was clear to the Police Officers too, who clearly saw the injustice done to the girls.

  We plead for justice and equal rights every citizen is entitled to. We have done nothing to violate the laws of this country. We are appealing to you to bring those violators of the law to justice.

  We solicit your prayers and intercession during this period of trial.

• Evangelicals Concerned Over Possible Exclusion

  The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (EASL) is asking for assistance to ensure that the government of Sri Lanka officially recognizes evangelical churches. The Christian Affairs Ministry of Sri Lanka has recently announced that it will be compiling a list of "recognized" churches, but it appears that only the Roman Catholic Church and mainline Protestant denominations will be included on the list. Evangelicals make up less than one percent of the population, numbering around 120,000. There has been consistent pressure, particularly from Buddhist groups, against the evangelicals. The EASL is concerned that, if evangelical churches are left off the official list, it may amount to being outlawed.

  Please pray for the evangelicals in Sri Lanka and the continued challenges they face. We encourage you to contact the Minister of Christian Affairs and politely express your concerns and desire that he continue to protect all Christian churches by recognizing the churches of the National Christian Alliance Church, which functions under the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka.

  You can send a letter or fax to:

  Hon. John Amaratunga
  Minister of Christian Affairs
  98, D. S. Senanayake Mawatha
  Colombo 8
  Sri Lanka
  Fax: 94-1-2665584 (remember to include the international codes required for your country)

• Assembly of God Church Attacked

  For the past three months, the Assembly of God Church in Kesbewa, Sri Lanka, has been subjected to threats and attacks, including broken windows and bottles of burning oil thrown into the church building. In response, the church has made sure that someone is at their building at all times to guard it. VOM learned today from the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka that, on the night of August 14, Pastor Kumara and two other church members were keeping watch when two motorcycles stopped and four men in black dismounted. Pastor Kumara heard one of them say, "paththu karannna" (light it) and, fearing that the church building was about to be set on fire, shouted and ran toward the men along with one of the church members, Narada. As the men ran away, one of them threw a homemade bomb, which exploded, badly injuring Narada. The pastor escaped with only minor wounds.

  A police investigation has begun and an inquiry is scheduled for August 22. According to the pastor, the main suspect in orchestrating this and the other attacks is the Kamburupitiya Chief Buddhist Monk, who wields considerable power in the community. In September 2002, the monk visited the church and threatened the pastor and members with death. The police have summoned him several times in connection with previous incidents at the church, but he has refused to speak with them. It is reported that he has been ordered to appear at the inquiry on August 22.

  Pray for Pastor Kumara and the church members as they continue to minister in the face of increasing opposition. Pray also for a fast recovery for Narada. The October edition of The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter will be focusing on the rising persecution of Christians in Sri Lanka. Go to https://www.vomcanada.com/nlonline.htm to subscribe.

• Anti-Conversion Bill Gains Support

  In the past two weeks, there have been new developments regarding a proposed anti-conversion bill in Sri Lanka. Previously, the bill was introduced by a relatively minor minister. However, a senior cabinet minister with significant influence, the Minister of Buddhism and Legal Reform, W.J.M. Lokubandara, has now taken up the cause, stating that he will be presenting the bill to parliament.

  According to an August 14 report from the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, over the past few years, various decisions by Sri Lanka's Supreme Court have led to a situation where the freedom to promote ones religion has been seriously undermined. Last week the court ruled against the incorporation of a Roman Catholic ministry, ruling that while it was permissible under the country's Constitution for a person to manifest, observe and practice ones religion, it does not guarantee a fundamental right to propagate religion. Article 9 of the Constitution guarantees Buddhism the foremost place and the court ruled that an organization intending to spread Catholicism is inconsistent with that guarantee.

  According to Minister Lokubandara, this court decision gives the legal backing to stop "this kind of unethical conversion activity carried out in the name of religion." Similar decisions refusing incorporation were made against Sahanaye Doratuwa ministry in 2002 and New Harvest Wine Ministries in January 2003, ruling that incorporation of a Christian organization that proposes to carry out proselytization of the Christian faith is unconstitutional. The charge of "unethical conversion" is so commonly leveled against evangelical churches in Sri Lanka that it has become synonymous with any conversion.

  Christian organizations and churches in Sri Lanka are concerned about the precedent that these court decisions will set in forming a foundation for the proposed anti-conversion bill. Pray that the courts and government of Sri Lanka will reconsider and see the importance of true freedom of religion. Pray for Christians facing increasing pressure by the government, the courts, and Buddhist organizations throughout the country.

  The Voice of the Martyrs asks Christians from around the world to write to the president and prime minister of Sri Lanka, urging them to resist anti-conversion legislation on the grounds that it would restrict religious freedom and violate the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

  President:
  Her Excellency President Chandrika Kumaratunga
  Presidential Residence
  Colombo 3
  Sri Lanka
  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  Honorable Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
  No.58, Sir Ernest de Silva Mawatha
  Colombo 7
  Sri Lanka
  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Buddhist Monks Lead Attacks on Five Churches

  On the weekend of August 2-3, 2003, five separate churches in the southern district of Galle, Sri Lanka were attacked by mobs led by Buddhist monks. In Rathgama, ten monks attacked the Methodist Church, burning the church pews and benches and beating two church workers. On the same day, the pastor of the Assembly of God church in Thanamalwila was assaulted by a group of Buddhist monks. Pastor Ranjith of the Assembly of God church in Lunugamwhehra was also attacked by a mob led by ten Buddhist priests that afternoon. His sister who tried to protect him was also beaten. That same weekend, homes of Christians in Ganemulla were vandalized and a mob led by Buddhist monks attacked the Calvary Church in Hikkaduwa. The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka believes that it is very likely that this spate of organized attacks is the beginning of an attempt to incite Buddhists against the Christian community, creating an environment of religious disharmony which in turn will be sited as a convincing platform to launch an impending anti-conversion bill.

  The October edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter will feature a report on the persecution facing Christians in Sri Lanka. To subscribe, go to https://www.vomcanada.com/nlonline.htm. Please remember to pray for Christians in Sri Lanka as they face increasing hostility in rural areas. Pray that the Sri Lankan government will resist pressure to pass anti-conversion legislation. The Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka is asking that we "please pray for the believers and the Christian leadership in Sri Lanka at this time of great need."

• Church Destroyed and Pastor Threatened

  St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Orutota, Gampaha, was destroyed when a mob of about 100 people attacked the church around midnight on June 3. They first broke the streetlights and then flattened the small hall, which was nearing completion. A Christian family next door to the church was threatened with death if they left their house, which was later damaged by the mob.

  One arrest has been made in the attack. People in the village have threatened to bomb the church if they ever rebuild.

  These types of incidents are not uncommon in Sri Lanka, as Buddhist leaders frequently stir up opposition to Christians. Pray for safety for believers in Sri Lanka. Pray that the police will provide the protection needed. Pray for St. Stephen's church as they consider their future plans.

• Methodist Church Threatened

  The Minneriya Methodist Church in north central Sri Lanka has been meeting for more than ten years, growing steadily in this predominantly Buddhist city. To accommodate growth, the church began construction on a new building. On April 28, a mob led by local monks threatened to destroy any new construction, as well as threatening the pastor, Oscar Fernando. Despite a restraining order against the members of the mob from the police, the monks warned Fernando on May 3 that they would assault any who gather for worship the next day. Thankfully nothing happened, but there is still concerns for their safety.

  The Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka is asking for prayer for Brother Fernando and the members of the church. Pray, too, that Sri Lankan Christians will know God's peace as they face threats and acts of violence.

• Church Burned

  A small rural church in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka has been facing harassment from local Buddhist monks for several months. While the government has stepped in to try to assist, the problems have persisted, including a protest rally against the church on February 16, demanding that the church close.

  According to an April 1 report from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, the Apostolic Church of Padhavi Siripura was set on fire during the night of March 27, completely destroying the building. There were no injuries and no witnesses.

  Anuradhapura is a traditional Buddhist stronghold, attracting pilgrims from around the world. Pray for the pastor, Shantha Kumara Fernando, and the small group of believers. Pray for wisdom, protection, and the boldness to continue to proclaim the Gospel for those who minister in Buddhist strongholds in Sri Lanka.

• Pastor Stabbed and Left for Dead

  On March 18, Pastor Sumith Gunasekera of Margaya Church in Embilipitiya was taken from his home by three men claiming to be police. According to a March 25 report from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, Pastor Sumith was taken to a nearby cemetery where he was stabbed and left for dead. Miraculously, he managed to drag himself home and was rushed to hospital where he remained unconscious for several days. Pastor Sumith's family has since been taken to a location away from the village for their safety. A complaint was lodged with the local police, but no action has yet been taken.

  Pray for a quick healing for Pastor Sumith. Pray for protection and safety for his wife and children.

• A Call for Anti-Conversion Legislation

  The call to introduce anti-conversion legislation in Sri Lanka has been around for many years, particularly in the face of rapidly growing evangelical Christianity in regions of this predominantly Buddhist country. Until now, there has been no action from the federal government. However, according to a report received from the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, legislation modeled after a new anti-conversion law in Tamil Nadu, India is set to be introduced in Sri Lanka's parliament. The proposal has the support of Buddhist, Hindu, and some Catholic groups.

  In November 2002, Sri Lanka's Hindu Cultural Affairs Minister, Mr. Maheshwaran, returned from Tamil Nadu promising to introduce legislation similar to that in Tamil Nadu. Since the government's official response has been silence, it is expected that the proposal will be introduced as a private member's bill. It is feared that the introduction of such a bill may be supported by many in the parliament.

  Pray that this proposed legislation will not be introduced. Pray for protection for Christians facing persecution, particularly from militant Buddhist groups in the country. Pray especially for church planters working in Buddhist areas of Sri Lanka, that God would bless their ministry in the face of much opposition.