The Voice of the Martyrs Canada :: Mob attacks church :: Providing Information and Support for Persecuted Christians

Persecution News - Sri Lanka

Mob attacks church
(December 09, 2009)

Church attacked by Buddhists
(November 18, 2009)

Pastor assaulted
(July 22, 2009)

Sri Lanka Profile

Total Area:
65,610 sq. km

Population:
21,128,773 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnicity:
Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%, Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%, Other 0.5%, Unspecified 10% (2001)

Language:
Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, Other 8%

Religion:
Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%, Unspecified 10% (2001)

Government Type:
Republic

Capital:
Colombo; Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte is the legislative capital

Population Below Poverty Line:
22% (2002)

Country Reports

Mob attacks church

December 09, 2009

The charred shell of the parish priest's car
UCAN Photo

Approximately 200 suspected Buddhists armed with weapons stormed the Our Lady Rosa Mystica Church building in Croos Watta, Sri Lanka on December 6. The assailants destroyed construction materials and the interior of the building. They also attempted to attack the priest. He was able to escape the scene unharmed, but his vehicle was torched in the violence. As word spread of the attack, approximately 500 local believers blocked the nearby main road in protest, demanding that police arrest the culprits. At last report, one arrest had been made. Local Christians believe the attack was due to the growing number of believers in the area and the recent resumption of a construction project to expand the church. Last year, the Supreme Court overturned a police decision to ban the construction. The church has been attacked twice in recent years by suspected Buddhist militants -- once in 2006 and again in 2007. (Source: Union of Catholic Asian News)

Thank the Lord that no one was injured in the attack. Pray that these church members will exemplify the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48).

For more information about the suffering of God's children in Sri Lanka, go to the Sri Lanka Country Report.