Photo: Wikipedia / Vis M (CC)
On January 24th, a Catholic priest travelling by motorcycle near Negombo was suddenly stopped by police officers while wearing his clerical attire. After asking for the church leader's identification, one officer reportedly remarked that people who dressed in such robes were "harming the country." The officers then allegedly assaulted the priest and left him injured at the roadside.
While investigating the incident, the officers claimed that the cleric had initially failed to comply with their order to stop. In response to this accusation, the priest explained that he had not seen the officers at first but complied immediately once he became aware of them.
An official inquiry has been launched, and the six officers involved have been suspended from duty. The Archdiocese of Colombo has announced its intention to file a human rights claim against the offending officers. In addition, a silent protest condemning the assault was held by priests and nuns on January 27th outside the Negombo Municipal Council.
While the government of Sri Lanka has generally been mindful of its citizens' religious rights, Christians still encounter opposition – most often from individuals or local community groups. Additional reports addressing the various challenges encountered by Sri Lankan believers are available at our country profile.
- On behalf of the mentioned priest, please pray that he will receive complete physical, emotional and spiritual healing in the aftermath of the attack.
- Also pray for a just resolution to this violent incident; that necessary action will be taken by governing officials to foster greater understanding among the country's varied religious groups, the need for accountability of those who inflict harm, and the encouragement of peaceful relations among all citizens.
- May Christians throughout Sri Lanka reflect Christ's love with wisdom and courage, drawing many more people to faith in Him through their faithful witness.
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