---

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make representations to the Sri Lankan authorities about the attack on the house of Pastor Kumarasira of Peniel Evangelical Church in Hali-ela, Badulla, on 29 April; [180304] (2) if he will make representations to the Sri Lankan authorities about (a) attacks on churches in Sri Lanka and (b) the closure of churches because of intimidation; [180305] (3) if he will make representations to the Sri Lankan authorities concerning the attack on the Christian Fellowship Church in Wadduwa, Kalutara district, on Easter Day. [180306] Mr. Mike O'Brien: We are concerned about reports of attacks against Christian groups in Sri Lanka, including the two specific attacks referred to. We condemn all instances where individuals are persecuted because of their faith or belief, wherever they happen and whatever the religion of the individual or group concerned. We regret the closure of any place of worship due to intolerance or intimidation. Our high commission in Colombo is monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka closely. High commission staff have regular contact with the main Christian leaders in Sri Lanka, who are trying to resolve the issues behind the attacks through meetings with Buddhist and other religious leaders. The Christian leaders have advised against formal representations to the Sri Lankan authorities while these efforts continue. But we have urged the authorities to ensure that those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice and that the rights of all religious minorities in Sri Lanka are respected.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

423 c132W;423 c131W; 180304;180305;180306

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Churches Violence Sri Lanka

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk