Christians Accused of Destroying Buddha Statues

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.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC supports persecuted Christians in Sri Lanka as they witness for Christ in hostile environments through Biblical training, legal aid, and advocacy, as well as rehabilitation and emergency assistance.

    Project Funds: Equipping the Saints, Legal Defence, Relief & Development, Families of Martyrs

  • Country Information

    Population
    23,326,272 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Sinhalese (74.9), Sri Lankan Tamil (11.2), Sri Lankan Moors (9.2), Indian Tamil (4.2), other (0.5)

    Religion (%)
    Buddhism (70.2), Hinduism (12.6), Islam (9.7), Roman Catholic (6.1), Evangelical Christianity (2.0)

    Leader
    Ranil Wickremesinghe (July 2022)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, and Jaffna Tamil customary law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Sri Lanka

    Let's unite our hearts in prayer for those in Sri Lanka who are being persecuted for their faith, thanking God for what He is accomplishing despite the opposition. Ask that His people will be encouraged, strengthened and equipped by the promises of the Bible – the Sword of the Spirit – knowing that He is watching over His Word to perform it (Ephesians 6:17; Jeremiah 1:12). May they not only overcome the strategies of the enemy, but also serve as effective witnesses to those in need of eternal salvation and deliverance from spiritual captivity.

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Sri Lanka News

  • Church Services Restricted to Pastor's Family
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    Photo: VOMC 

    In July, a complaint against the Jesus Jeewamanai Revival Church in Polgahawela was issued by some villagers and Buddhist leaders who opposed the worship services that were taking place at the pastor's home. In response, police requested that the church restrict the number of people attending the gatherings, particularly by limiting participants who were visiting from outside of the community, until guidance was received from the authorities on how to handle the situation. For more information about this incident, go to this report.

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    Photo: VOMC
     

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    A church building in Sri Lanka.
    Photo: VOMC

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