The Barnabas Fund has reported that there has been a sharp increase in attacks on Christians by Buddhists in Sri Lanka.
The charity said there were 10 anti-Christian attacks in March alone, including the bruning down of a church and a “brutal attack” on the home of a pastor.
Police are also accused of threatening a pastor to stop holding Christian services.
Barnabas Fund said: "It is rare to hear of so many anti-Christian incidents in one month in Sri Lanka; these may indicate a concerted campaign by Buddhists.
"On 24 March, hard-line Buddhist group the Bodu Bala Sena said that Sri Lanka is not multiracial or multi-religious but a Sinhala Buddhist country. Secretary Galaboda Aththe Gnanasara thera said that the country should be ready to rally against what he described as Christian and Muslim extremist groups operating in the country.
"The Christian minority, who comprise around 8% of the Sri Lankan population, are vulnerable to discrimination and attack, as Buddhism is afforded the "foremost place" by the government. The authorities consequently do little to investigate or prevent attacks by Buddhist extremists."
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