"Interview and Interrogation Techniques, Human Dignity and Ethics, and Community-based Policing," amid concern over a crackdown on Christians, BosNewsLife learned Saturday June 18.

The training at the Police Higher Training Institute in the capital Colombo, reported in local media, came as the UK-based human rights group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), expressed concern over a reported fresh crackdown against the Christian minority in the predominantly Buddhist nation, often with the knowledge of police and local authorities.

Buddhist militants and others have gone on a rampage throughout the island, CSW and other human rights groups suggested. Police is allegedly unable, or unwilling, to intervene in time, and there have been questions over their treatment of those of other religions deemed dangerous to the government.
 
"Putting the needs of citizens first are an important part of any free society. By offering training assistance the United States Embassy hopes to assist Inspector General of Police Chandra Fernando in cultivating the investigative and community-interaction skills of the Sri Lankan National Police," said US Department of Justice Training Coordinator Kevin Kittridge in a statement distributed by local media.

It was unclear if the alleged controversial role of police had been discussed during the training.

RIOTS BREAK OUT

In one of the latest incidents of religious violence several people were injured during riots that began June 5 around the Assemblies of God Church in Ambalangoda, Galle District, south of Colombo, which CSW said "came under attack by militants, with rocks, stones and bottles filled with sand." The following morning the church was reportedly surrounded by a crowd of about 100 people who eventually stormed the church, demolished part of the boundary wall, smashed windows and broke open the door. The pastor’s van was apparently also damaged.

"Armed with iron rods, shovels, two swords and other weapons, the mob brutally assaulted the pastor and the two church members. One person was seriously injured and all three are now in hospital receiving treatment for their injuries," CSW claimed. The organization fears the mob may return to attack the church again.

In addition a Christian family’s home in Batticaloa District, east Sri Lanka, was set ablaze on June 2, but caused no injuries. The family had donated land to the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka for the construction of a training institute. The construction workers’ building on the site was burned down on Feb. 29.

CHURCH BURNED DOWN

Last month BosNewsLife also monitored news of Buddhist militants burned down a Methodist church in Batticaloa town. Idea news agency quoted aid workers as saying that several militants entered the Methodist congregation, which was also used as a storage site for clothing and other aid packages for victims of the Tsunami disaster in December.

Aid worker and Pastor Albert W. Jebanesan said the fire "spread throughout the church building and also destroyed the adjacent pastoral home and a new house", Idea reported. CSW also said that a crowd of about 100 people and a local Buddhist monk disrupted a prayer meeting on May 29, at Kithu Sevana Church in Kurunegala District, north east of Colombo. Christian villagers were threatened and warned to stop their meetings and the next prayer meeting was cancelled.

Churches in other areas near Colombo, and central eastern Sri Lanka, were also "by large mobs" earlier last month. On May 15, the Assemblies of God Church in Kesbewa, near Colombo,  was reportedly surrounded by a crowd of 500 people, accompanied by 100 Buddhist monks, demanding that the church close down.

PASTOR LEAVES

The pastor was forced to leave, accompanied by the police for his own protection. The church had been completely burned down in September 2003 but the congregation had recently started meeting in the shell of the building. Persecution watchdog groups such as CSW have reported that in the past two years, at least 170 churches have been attacked and 140 closed down due to intimidation and threats. The worst violence occurred at the end of 2003 and early 2004, and had appeared to decrease after the Tsunami.

Adding to concern is news that an anti-conversion law is being considered by the country’s Parliament. The legislation reportedly advocates fines of around $5,000 and up to seven years in prison for anyone involved in illegal conversion. Both the convert and the person responsible for his or her conversion would suffer penalties if found guilty.
 
Buddhists have been actively involved in raising support for the law. Already in 2003 about 1,500 Buddhists reportedly protested against Christian activities. Buddhists comprise roughly 70 percent of Sri Lanka’s nearly 20 million strong population, while Christians make up just about 8 percent, according to official estimates. Hindu’s form 15 and Muslims
7 percent of the island’s inhabitants. (With BosNewsLife Chief International Correspondent Stefan J. Bos, BosNewsLife Research and reports from Sri Lanka)

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