Work
10.March 2006 - 00:00
Religious freedom in Sri Lanka
On Christmas day, a mob of around 30 people attacked members of the King’s Revival Church in Alawwa, Kurunegala District, west central Sri Lanka.
During the attack the mob attempted to prevent them from attending the service and threatened the pastor. It has been reported that many fled in fear but that those who continued on their way to church were beaten up. The incident was reported twice to the local police on 25 December and 28 December, but no action was taken until 29 December when the police eventually arrested some people for questioning.
Has the Commission made any representations to the Sri Lankan authorities regarding this violation of religious freedom? What practical measures is the Commission taking to ensure the cessation of acts of increasing violence targeting Christians in Sri Lanka?
E-0308/06EN
E-0309/06EN
Answer given by Mrs Ferrero-Waldner
on behalf of the Commission
(10.3.2006)
In reply to the Honourable Member's questions, the Commission shares the concerns about religious freedom in Sri Lanka that have been expressed by several Honourable Members.
Concerning the assassination of Mr. Pararajasingham, despite the Government’s announcement that it had initiated investigations, no arrests have yet been made. The EC and others have condemned the killing.
Concerning the incident in Kurunegala district on 25 December 2005, where members of the King’s Revival Church were attacked, the EC Delegation closely observed this matter and evaluated the risk of it spreading, but it remained an isolated incident.
As to the general framework for religious freedom in Sri Lanka, the Commission’s latest understanding is that there has been no progress on earlier legislative proposals. The “Prohibition of Forcible Conversions of Religions Bill” tabled by the JHU (Jathika Hela Urumaya) was declared unconstitutional by the Sri Lankan Supreme Court on 23 August 2004. The Government-drafted “Act of safeguarding religious freedom” is still officially under preparation, with no deadline for its finalisation and possible submission to Parliament.
President Rajapakse made a reference to religious freedom in his swearing-in speech that read as follows: “During my reign of office adherents of all religions could freely hold their religious beliefs and conduct their religious affairs freely in temples, churches, mosques and kovils. There will be no state interference in religion. The state has enough work.”
The Commission will continue to follow closely this particular issue of religious freedom and protection of religious minorities with the Sri Lankan authorities, in order to ensure respect of obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the various other human rights instruments to which Sri Lanka is a party.
On Christmas day, a mob of around 30 people attacked members of the King’s Revival Church in Alawwa, Kurunegala District, west central Sri Lanka.
During the attack the mob attempted to prevent them from attending the service and threatened the pastor. It has been reported that many fled in fear but that those who continued on their way to church were beaten up. The incident was reported twice to the local police on 25 December and 28 December, but no action was taken until 29 December when the police eventually arrested some people for questioning.
Has the Commission made any representations to the Sri Lankan authorities regarding this violation of religious freedom? What practical measures is the Commission taking to ensure the cessation of acts of increasing violence targeting Christians in Sri Lanka?
E-0308/06EN
E-0309/06EN
Answer given by Mrs Ferrero-Waldner
on behalf of the Commission
(10.3.2006)
In reply to the Honourable Member's questions, the Commission shares the concerns about religious freedom in Sri Lanka that have been expressed by several Honourable Members.
Concerning the assassination of Mr. Pararajasingham, despite the Government’s announcement that it had initiated investigations, no arrests have yet been made. The EC and others have condemned the killing.
Concerning the incident in Kurunegala district on 25 December 2005, where members of the King’s Revival Church were attacked, the EC Delegation closely observed this matter and evaluated the risk of it spreading, but it remained an isolated incident.
As to the general framework for religious freedom in Sri Lanka, the Commission’s latest understanding is that there has been no progress on earlier legislative proposals. The “Prohibition of Forcible Conversions of Religions Bill” tabled by the JHU (Jathika Hela Urumaya) was declared unconstitutional by the Sri Lankan Supreme Court on 23 August 2004. The Government-drafted “Act of safeguarding religious freedom” is still officially under preparation, with no deadline for its finalisation and possible submission to Parliament.
President Rajapakse made a reference to religious freedom in his swearing-in speech that read as follows: “During my reign of office adherents of all religions could freely hold their religious beliefs and conduct their religious affairs freely in temples, churches, mosques and kovils. There will be no state interference in religion. The state has enough work.”
The Commission will continue to follow closely this particular issue of religious freedom and protection of religious minorities with the Sri Lankan authorities, in order to ensure respect of obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the various other human rights instruments to which Sri Lanka is a party.