Over the weekend of November 29-30, the National Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka reports that there were several incidents of gang attacks on Christian churches, primarily in the areas of Homagama and Horana.
On the morning of November 29, the factory premises where the "Jeevana Diya" branch Church meets in Moragahahena, Horana was broken into by a large mob led by several Buddhist monks. Two caretakers were on the premises at the time. Scripture verses were torn from the walls and burned, along with Bible tracts. Bibles, hymnals, and documents, including lists of cell group members, were stolen.
In the same town that evening, the home of Pastor Wickramasinghe, who leads the United Christian Fellowship Church in Piliyandala, was broken into. No one was home at the time. Bibles, notes and other belongings were stolen, along with money collected for a children's program. A death threat was painted on the wall, demanding that he leave the area immediately.Also that evening, a large crowd, led by Buddhist monks, attacked a house church in Gonapola, Horana, threatening the life of the pastor if he does not stop holding services. Christians in the area report that they have received anonymous phone calls, saying their homes will be burned or they will be killed if they do not renounce Christ.
The next afternoon, a mob, led by about twenty Buddhist monks, was responsible for two separate attacks in Homagama. At around 1:30 p.m., they attacked the home of the Assembly of God pastor, where they found his wife and three other Christian women. They demanded that the pastor and his family leave the community immediately or face physical violence. They also demanded that the landlord evict the family from their home. Files, including the membership list, were taken. The mob then went to the Katuwana Road Catholic Church where they broke the cross off the top of the church and raised a Buddhist flag in its place and planted a sacred Bo tree. Membership records were also taken from this church. It is also reported that "Kithu Himi Sevana" church was attacked by a mob that day. The church building, furniture, and musical instruments were damaged.
The Assembly of God pastor in Ambalangoda has also faced repeated threats and had been asked to leave his home, which he agreed to do. However, as he was packing on November 30 to move to another house in the community, a mob arrived, demanding that he completely leave the area or face death. When the police arrived, they took him to the police station, leaving the mob at his home. Though the police also asked that he leave the area, in the interest of keeping the peace, he has refused to leave.
The Evangelical Alliance informed VOM that there were several additional attacks this past weekend. We are awaiting further details concerning these incidents. Pray for strength for Christians in Sri Lanka who face the consistent pressure to turn from the Lord. Pray that they will have the mind of Christ in all things and will continue to remain faithful to their calling to be a light to the Sri Lankan people.
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