A hardline Buddhist group in Sri Lanka in July launched a four-day campaign against ‘Christian fundamentalism’ in the country, as Christians face vicious attacks in ongoing efforts to stop their activities.
Ravana Balaya launched its programme on July 15, starting in Polonnaruwa before visiting other parts of the eastern and north central provinces. In an ominous message, Ravana Balaya General Secretary Ittekande Saddhatissa Thera said they would ‘advise’ Christians to halt their activities, but, if they failed to take heed, would take firmer action. He said that the group decided to conduct a campaign after receiving complaints from Buddhist monks and others about evangelism by Christians.
Buddhist groups such as the Ravana Balaya are becoming increasingly militant in Sri Lanka and, as their agenda gathers greater support, attacks on Christians are becoming more frequent. In two recent incidents, Christians were hospitalised with injuries sustained in mob violence.
