Anti-Conversion Bill Debate Intensifies Persecution in Sri Lanka

Reports have arisen regarding continued violent attacks against Christians in Sri Lanka.

|TOP|The new report from Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) details continued violent attacks against Christians in Sri Lanka at the same time as the proposed anti-conversion bill remains on the agenda in the Sri Lankan Parliament.

The report follows from a recent CSW fact-finding visit to Sri Lanka, and offers details of testimonies of death threats against pastors, including the alleged existence of a hit list in one district.

During the visit, the delegation met with Sri Lankan church leaders and interviewed victims of persecution. The team also had discussions with former Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando, who is now a senior advisor to the Sri Lankan President, and met British and European Union (EU) diplomats.

According to information received by CSW during the visit, in the first five months of this year alone there have been a total of 30 reported incidents of violence against Christians with the number of threats being made increasing also.

One meeting gathered about 50 pastors, and approximately half told CSW they had suffered physical persecution, including arson, assault and the destruction of homes and church buildings.

One pastor reported that posters had been displayed in his village, threatening him with death, reports CSW.

|AD|One poster gave him three days to leave the village or be killed.

"Get your coffins ready because we're going to kill you," another poster read.

The violence against Christians coincides with debates on the latest draft of an anti-conversion bill.

Despite various drafts of this legislation being rejected over the past two years, the latest version has already passed its second reading in the Sri Lankan Parliament. It is now being considered by a Standing Committee before it will be returned for a final crucial vote.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief, Asma Jahangir, who visited Sri Lanka last year, has already expressed her view that the "very principle" of such a bill "could engender widespread persecution of certain religious minorities."

CSW's Advocacy Director, Alexa Papadouris, said, "We are deeply concerned that the climate of religious conflict and tension continues in Sri Lanka. We urge the Sri Lankan authorities to react swiftly to bring an end to violence and intimidation against Christians, and we urge the Sri Lankan Parliament not to pass the proposed legislation.

“We would encourage all political and religious groups in Sri Lanka to work together to develop inter-faith harmony and dialogue."