Both churches were in the middle of Sunday service when groups of around 300 people, led by Buddhist monks, stormed the two churches at around 10:00 am. Extensive damage was done to the two church buildings and stones were thrown at the buildings while some of the congregation were trapped inside.
The night before, the pastors of both churches had received a warning about the impending attacks. They chose to go ahead with the services because they had been assured that there would be police protection during the services.
The monks involved in the attacks included some Buddhist monks from a group calling themselves "Hela Bodu Pawura", as well as monks from Hikkaduwa and other nearby temples. They claimed that the Christian presence was illegal. The protesters blocked the main road from Galle to Colombo, creating a tense situation in Hikkaduwa. The situation lasted until the afternoon when police were unable to disperse the crowds. A senior police officer who arrived on the scene informed the monks that the churches will be closed for two weeks, until February 10, and in the meantime a solution to the conflict will be sought. The protesters then dispersed.
Buildings set on fire at night
On January 12, 2014, a house where Christians gather to pray was set on fire by unidentified persons in the wee hours of the night, around 2:30 am. The fire was extinguished before any major damage was done. A threatening letter was found hanging on the gate into the area, threatening the Christians with serious consequences.
What can you do?
The Danish European Mission runs a Bible distribution project where thousands of Bibles in Sinhala and Tamil are distributed to Christians who are so poor that they do not have the means to buy a Bible. By reading the Word, persecuted Christians can be spiritually strengthened, encouraged and their church services and Bible studies enriched. Furthermore, new Christians will be spiritually fed and equipped to make disciples of Jesus.
In addition, poor Christians receive self-help, which means a lasting improvement in their situation. They do not receive handouts that keep them dependent on support from Christians in the rich part of the world, but start-up help to enable them to support themselves in the future.
Give Bibles and self-help to Christians in need in Sri Lanka now. Thank you for your gift.
