Christians Ordered to Cease Worship

Worship service
Photo: VOMC

On March 6th, a large mob forced their way into the Mercy Gate Chapel in Amalgama, Sri Lanka, demanding that all religious activities cease immediately. Thankfully, police were able to disperse the crowd without further incident, though Buddhist monks continued to declare that the place of worship was not a legitimate church. (See this page for more details.)

A few days later, the pastor of the church received a letter from state officials demanding that he stop all worship services or face arrest. The letter, which was received on March 11th, stated that the church was an illegal institution and considered disruptive to "religious harmony" in the area. The letter further demanded that the pastor, along with three other church members, attend a meeting on March 15th.

On the date of the meeting, approximately 20 Buddhist monks and governing officials had gathered to repeat the demands of the letter to the church representatives. In response, the pastor requested that a written report outlining the objections to the church be provided, along with references to any relevant legal regulations. The officials agreed to provide this documentation but, at last report, it has not yet been received by the pastor.

On March 24th, while the pastor was visiting his sister's house, several police officers arrived at the premises and began questioning what he was doing. After informing them that he was simply visiting his sister to pray for his nephew, the police left. Later that night, as he was returning home, he saw two police officers stationed near the church building. When he spoke with them, the officers claimed they were providing security to the church.

The pastor has stated that his movements are being closely monitored by neighbours and local monks. The investigative action taken at his sister's home was the result of a monk reporting his movements to the police. To read about further incidents of persecution against churches in Sri Lanka, go to our country report.

Prayerfully uphold this pastor, his family and the members of Mercy Gate Chapel, asking God to provide them wisdom and protection. May He also give these believers Holy Spirit-empowered boldness and compassion as they deal with their opposing neighbours and other community members who are greatly in need of Christ. Pray that governing officials will act fairly towards believers throughout the country. Considering that Sri Lanka is in the midst of political upheaval at this time, additionally pray that the Lord's ministry of peace and love will be demonstrated among all citizens, using the faithful witness of His followers as "salt" and "light" in this spiritually needy world (Matthew 5:13-16).

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC supports persecuted Christians in Sri Lanka as they witness for Christ in hostile environments through Biblical training, legal aid, and advocacy, as well as rehabilitation and emergency assistance.

    Project Funds: Equipping the Saints, Legal Defence, Relief & Development, Families of Martyrs

  • Country Information

    Population
    23,326,272 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Sinhalese (74.9), Sri Lankan Tamil (11.2), Sri Lankan Moors (9.2), Indian Tamil (4.2), other (0.5)

    Religion (%)
    Buddhism (70.2), Hinduism (12.6), Islam (9.7), Roman Catholic (6.1), Evangelical Christianity (2.0)

    Leader
    President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (Sept 2024)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, and Jaffna Tamil customary law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Sri Lanka

    Let's unite our hearts in prayer for those in Sri Lanka who are being persecuted for their faith, thanking God for what He is accomplishing despite the opposition. Ask that His people will be encouraged, strengthened and equipped by the promises of the Bible – the Sword of the Spirit – knowing that He is watching over His Word to perform it (Ephesians 6:17; Jeremiah 1:12). May they not only overcome the strategies of the enemy, but also serve as effective witnesses to those in need of eternal salvation and deliverance from spiritual captivity.

Sri Lanka News

  • Church Pressured to Halt Christian Activities
    A church congregation in Sri Lanka
    A congregation in Sri Lanka.
    Photo: VOMC

    Members of the Way to the Comfort Ministry Church in Seethwaka, Sri Lanka, are receiving ongoing demands to cease all Christian activities in their village. On January 26th, Buddhist monks approached the church leadership and insisted that the pastor stop holding worship services, claiming that only Buddhist practices are permitted within the village. They further accused the pastor of forcibly converting people to Christianity and receiving foreign aid.

  • Church Services Restricted to Pastor's Family
    A woman is raising her hands in worship.
    Photo: VOMC 

    In July, a complaint against the Jesus Jeewamanai Revival Church in Polgahawela was issued by some villagers and Buddhist leaders who opposed the worship services that were taking place at the pastor's home. In response, police requested that the church restrict the number of people attending the gatherings, particularly by limiting participants who were visiting from outside of the community, until guidance was received from the authorities on how to handle the situation. For more information about this incident, go to this report.

  • Church Building Pelted with Stones; Worshippers Restricted Access
    Christians are seated on floor mats as they pray together. Two women are in the foreground.
    A group of Christians praying together.
    Photo: VOMC
     

    The Jesus Jeewamanai Revival Church in the town of Polgahawela has been the target of attacks perpetrated by disgruntled members of the community who oppose their place of worship. On July 7th and 11th, stones were thrown at the church building. Then, on July 14th, before the Christians' Sunday services were scheduled to begin, villagers blocked the road leading to the building in order to prevent the congregants and their pastor from accessing the facility.

  • Arrests During House Church Construction
    People are in and around a small building under construction.
     
     

    On June 13th, the pastor of God's Kingdom Gospel Church in Kandapola, Sri Lanka, was constructing a house church building, together with the support of other pastors and church leaders, when he was approached by a junior manager. The pastor was questioned by the manager as to whether or not the Christians had permission to build a church.