Colombo, Dec 29: Dozens of saffron-robed Buddhist monks protested today against ``unethical conversions”, allegedly by Christians, and demanded Sri Lanka immediately
introduce legislation banning the practice.
The monks, who yield a great influence in this
predominantly Buddhist country, pitched black umbrellas and
vowed to fast unto death until measures are taken against
conversions from Buddhism to Christianity.
``Buddhism is not an aggressive or missionary
religion. Other religious groups seem to take this for a
weakness,'' said Omalpe Sobitha, head of the National Sanga
Council, which organised the protest.
``We need to protect Buddhism from this grave threat
of unethical conversions,'' said Sobitha, seated cross-legged
on the pavement in front of the Ministry of Buddhist Affairs.
Last week, a funeral was held for an influential
Buddhist monk, Gangodawilla Soma, who campaigned against
conversions from Buddhism to Christianity. Some Buddhist
hardliners blame Christians for soma's death, though medical
records show he died of natural causes.
Mobs attacked two churches yesterday in east of the
capital Colombo, smashing statues, furniture and windows. No
one was hurt, but police said security at churches has been
heightened to prevent more such violence.
Sri Lanka's Hindu religious affairs minister
Thiyagarajah Maheswaran over the weekend accused
international groups are trying to spread Christianity in Sri
Lanka under the guise of reconstruction work.
He said he was confident that parliament would pass a
law by early next year banning religious conversions through
coercion or offering money.
Bureau Report
