Buddhist monks led protests and attacks against two Christian Churches in the south of the island today, reports Colombo Gazette.
Claiming that the churches - Assembly of God Hikkaduwa and the Calvary Free Church - were operating without the necessary authorisation, the monks and residents encircled the congregation, demanding that the church be shut down.
In a statement, the Assembly of God criticised the Sri Lankan police's response, saying,
“We have also been informed that contrary to previous reports the police gave very feeble assistance. Lawyers are now meeting with the police. As of now the immediate situation has been diffused but there is still some tension in the area. Although many of the details are unclear, it is clear that a mob attacked the churches while they were engaged in religious worship, which is a violation in terms of the Penal code. The police were also unable to control the mob.”
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