In Sri Lanka, decades of war between government forces and Tamil rebels are coming to an end. The conflict has affected Denmark as many Tamils have sought and been granted asylum here. The majority of these Tamils are Hindu, but there are also some Christians among them. Sri Lanka's ethnic majority are called Sinhalese and the vast majority of them are Buddhists. Not only do Sinhalese and Tamils speak very different languages, they also have different religions. In Denmark, we are used to seeing Buddhists as advocates of peace, non-violence and tolerance, also in terms of religion.
In Sri Lanka, this picture is far from clear-cut. There are some Buddhists who not only advocate violence and oppression against Tamils in the country, but also advocate violence and oppression against Christians. They have also tried to restrict religious freedom by influencing politicians to pass a law that vaguely criminalizes attempts to convert people to a religion other than the one they were raised in by using pressure or enticement in the form of financial and social benefits. However, at the time of writing, the law has not yet been passed by the Sri Lankan Parliament. However, the mere introduction of the bill has created an atmosphere where Buddhist extremists have felt that they could attack Christians without fear of punishment, especially leaders of churches where it is known that many Buddhists and Hindus come to faith in Jesus. Both evangelical and Catholic churches, priests, evangelists and other Christians in leadership positions are targeted. It also often affects buildings, including churches, schools and Christian institutions.
Now that the war in Sri Lanka is coming to an end, it is to be hoped that a climate of peace and reconciliation will prevail and that this climate will also lead to the gradual disappearance of religiously motivated hatred and violence. However, it is unlikely that this will happen in just a few years. Therefore, our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka urge Christians around the world to pray for them. Godfrey Yogaraja, leader of the Sri Lankan Evangelical Alliance, whom I have met several times, most recently in March this year, says the situation in the country is desperate, not least because of the huge number of people who have fled due to the war, many of whom are Christians. However, those who suffer the most are the children. All civilians in the war-torn region are really hard pressed, especially as the humanitarian situation is almost catastrophic. Churches are making a superhuman effort to help those in need, regardless of their religious beliefs, but there are many reports of them and other independent aid organizations being hindered by government forces, and there are many reports of abuses against civilians by government forces.
