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Sri Lanka

Last week, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on anti-conversion legislation to be presented to the Sri Lankan parliament within two weeks (for more details, click here). It was expected to be introduced as a private member's bill on June 8. However, according to a June 13 news release from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, a dispute caused the parliamentary session to be suspended. The next session of parliament begins on July 20. A copy of the proposed bill can be found here.

A second anti-conversion legislation is also planned by the Minister for Buddha Sasana, Ratnasiri Wickremanayake. This proposed bill would have a wider scope than the private member's bill, making conversion from one religion to another under any circumstances an offence.

Pray that the efforts of those opposed to the Gospel will be thwarted and that this legislation will not be passed. Pray that those proposing this legislation will come to understand the message of the Gospel and respond to the grace of God. Pray for the Church in Sri Lanka during this time of uncertainty.

We encourage you to politely express your concerns about these proposed bills. For more information on writing letters to government leaders, click here. Below is contact information for Sri Lankan government officials:

Her Excellency Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga President of Sri Lanka Presidential Secretariat, Secretariat Building, Colombo 1 Sri Lanka Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: 94-11-234801 Fax: 94-11-2421583
	The Hon. Prime Minister Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Temple Trees, Colombo 3 Sri Lanka Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: 94-11-2575317 / 2575318 Fax: 94-11-2574143 / 2575454 / 2575310 You can also post concerns on his online forum (click here).
Minister of Buddha Sasana Hon. Ratnasiri Wickramanayake Minister of Buddha Sasana 135, Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 7 Sri Lanka Phone: 94-11-2326126 / 2326127 Fax: 94-11-2424726 / 2437997

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

A BILL ON PROHIBITION OF FORCIBLE CONVERSION OF RELIGIONS (Draft)
An act to provide for prohibitions of Conversion from one religion to another by use of force or Allurement or by fraudulent means and for matters incidental there with incidental thereto.
5. WHEREAS, Buddhism being the foremost religion professed and practiced by the majority of people of Sri Lanka, due to the introduction by great Tathagatha, the Sambuddha in the 8th month after he had attained Buddhahood on his visit Mahiyangan in Sri Lanka and establishment after the arrival of Mahinda hero:
10. AND WHEREAS, the State has the duty to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana while assuring all the religions the rights generated by Article 10 and 14 (1) (e) of the Constitution of the Republic of Sri Lanka:
AND WHEREAS, the Buddhist and the non Buddhist are now under serious threat of forcible conversations and proselyzing by coercion or by allurement or by fraudulent means:
15. AND WHEREAS, the Mahasanga and other religious leaders realizing the need to protect and promote religious harmony among all religions, historically enjoyed by the people of Sri Lanka:
BE it enacted by the Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka as follows: -
20. 1. This Act may be called the Prohibition of Forcible Conversion of Religions Act. No. Have 2004.
(Short title)
2. No person shall convert or attempt to convert, either directly or other wise, any person from one religion to another by the use of force or by allurement or by any fraudulent means nor shall any person aid or abet any such conversions
25. (Forcible conversion illegal.)
3. (a) Whoever adopts a religion from one religion to another shall within such period as may be prescribed by the Minister, send intimation to that effect to the Divisional Secretary of the area in which such adoption took place. (Intimation to the Divisional Secretary).
(b) Who ever converts any person from one religion to another either by performing any ceremony by himself for such conversion as a facilitator or by taking part directly or indirectly in such ceremony shall within such period as may be prescribed by the Minister, send in an intimation to that effect to the Divisional Secretary of the area in which such adoption took place.
4. (a) Notwithstanding contrary to any provision in the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, whoever contravenes the provisions of section 2 above shall, without prejudice to any civil liability, shall be guilty of any offence and on conviction before a magistrate be liable to be punished with imprisonment for a term which may not exceeding five years and also be liable to a fine not exceeding Rupees one hundred and fifty thousand:
Provided that whoever contravenes the provisions of section 2 above in respect of a minor, a woman or a person referred to in schedule I hereof, shall on conviction before a Magistrate be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years and also be liable to a fine not exceeding rupees five hundred thousand.
(b) Whoever fails, without sufficient cause, to comply with the provisions of section 3 (a) and (b) above shall on conviction before a Magistrate be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or with a fine, not exceeding rupees one hundred and fifty thousand:
5. Proceedings before a Magistrate may be instituted in one of the following ways:
(a) by the Divisional Secretary of the area or an officer authorized by him for the purpose;
(b) by the Police in terms of Section 136 of the Criminal Procedure Act, No. 15 of 1979, upon a complaint made to the Police by a person aggrieved by the offence or in the case of a Minor, by his or her father or mother or a lawful Guardian or any other interested person who has reasons to believe that the provisions of the act has been violated, acting in the public interest;
(c) by a person aggrieved by the offence;
(d) by an Attorney-at-Law;
(e) by any person authorized by the Minister.
6. The Minister for the time being in charge of Justice may make rules and regulations for the enforcing and carrying out the provisions of this act and all such rules and regulations so made shall be published in the Government Gazette and shall be placed before the Parliament for approval.
7. In the event of any inconsistency between the Sinhala and Tamil texts of this Act. The Sinhala text shall prevail.
8. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires-
(a) "allurement" means offer of any temptation in the form of-
(1) any gift or gratification whether in cash or kind;
(2) grant of any material benefit, whether monetary or otherwise;
(3) grant of employment of grant of promotion in employment;
(b) "convert" means to make one person to renounce one religion and adopt another religion;
(c) "force" shall include a show of force including a threat or harm or injury of any kind or threat of religious displeasure or condemnation of any religion or religious faith;
(d) "fraudulent" means includes misinterpretation or any other fraudulent contrivance;
(e) "Minor" means a person under eighteen years of age.
SCHEDULE 1
1. Those persons classified as samurdhi beneficiaries
2. Prison inmates
3. Inmates of rehabilitation centres
4. Inmates of detention centres
5. Physically or mentally retarded
6. Employees of an organization
7. Members of the armed forces or police
8. Students
9. Inmates of hospitals and or places of healing
10. Inmates of refugee centres
11. Any other category as may be prescribed by the minister by regulations
Anti-Conversion Law To Be Introduced
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.
^{Minister of Buddha Sasana,
Ratnasiri Wickremanayake}

If this bill does not pass, the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka reports that the Minister of Buddha Sasana and former Prime Minister, Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, is expected to introduce three similar anti-conversion bills. As minister, it is expected that those bills would pass even if the JHU sponsored bill is defeated.
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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Honorable Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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.
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.

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^{Church building destroyed in 2003}