Within the next two weeks, it is expected that an anti-conversion bill will be presented to the Sri Lankan parliament by members of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) in an apparent attempt to stem the growth of Christianity, particularly among Buddhists. The JHU is a party set up by Buddhist monks with the goals of introducing anti-conversion legislation and promoting Buddhism within Sri Lanka. Once on the parliamentary order paper, the only option available is an appeal to the Supreme Court within seven days. Christian groups, including the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, intend to appeal to the Supreme Court, but are skeptical of the possibility of success, in light of recent decisions by the Supreme Court.
A copy of the proposed bill is available here. As a private member bill, it is uncertain if either of the major parties will vote with the JHU. However, if put to a conscience vote, it is expected that the bill would pass.
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Mob violence against Christians in Sri Lanka appears once again to be on the increase in recent weeks. On May 25, a small church building in Navatkerny, Batticaloa District, was destroyed by fire during the night. There are no suspects.
Pray that the proposed law will not be passed in Sri Lanka. Pray for continued strength for Christians in Sri Lanka, as they stand for the Lord in the face of opposition from authorities and Buddhist mobs.
We encourage you to politely express your concerns to the Sri Lankan government about this anti-conversion legislation.
Her Excellency President Chandrika Kumaratunga
Fax: 94-333707 (Please remember international codes from your country)
Email:
Honorable Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
Email:
You can also post questions on his forum (click here).
Contact information for embassies in Canada, USA and UN is available here. For guidelines on writing letters to government authorities, click here.
For more information on persecution in Sri Lanka, click here.
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