[lang_en]Sri Lankans elected a new president [November 17] who faces the challenge of dealing with a Buddhist elite seeking greater control over religious minorities. Christians are greatly concerned about pressure on President Mahinda Rajapakse from Buddhists.

Prior to the elections, Rajapakse formed an alliance with the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU or National Heritage Party), a Buddhist party that has campaigned vigorously for the adoption of anti- conversion laws. These laws would restrict freedom to convert from one religion to another and cast doubts on the motives of any religious group offering social or material assistance to the poor.

Now Rajapakse must deal with leading Buddhist monks who want the constitution amended to make Buddhism the state religion. Failing this, anti-conversion legislation will no doubt be put back on the parliamentary agenda.

Extremists have launched many violent attacks against Christians and churches in recent years, particularly after a leading Buddhist monk, Ven. Soma Thero, launched a campaign against conversions to Christianity in 2002.

A report issued by the U.S. State Department on November 8 took note of these acts of violence, saying Sri Lankans should honor their constitution – which protects the right of each citizen to practice the religion of his/her choice (Compass Direct).[/lang_en]

Sri Lankans elected a new president [November 17] who faces the challenge of dealing with a Buddhist elite seeking greater control over religious minorities. Christians are greatly concerned about pressure on President Mahinda Rajapakse from Buddhists.

Prior to the elections, Rajapakse formed an alliance with the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU or National Heritage Party), a Buddhist party that has campaigned vigorously for the adoption of anti- conversion laws. These laws would restrict freedom to convert from one religion to another and cast doubts on the motives of any religious group offering social or material assistance to the poor.

Now Rajapakse must deal with leading Buddhist monks who want the constitution amended to make Buddhism the state religion. Failing this, anti-conversion legislation will no doubt be put back on the parliamentary agenda.

Extremists have launched many violent attacks against Christians and churches in recent years, particularly after a leading Buddhist monk, Ven. Soma Thero, launched a campaign against conversions to Christianity in 2002.

A report issued by the U.S. State Department on November 8 took note of these acts of violence, saying Sri Lankans should honor their constitution – which protects the right of each citizen to practice the religion of his/her choice (Compass Direct).

[lang_en]Sri Lankans elected a new president [November 17] who faces the challenge of dealing with a Buddhist elite seeking greater control over religious minorities. Christians are greatly concerned about pressure on President Mahinda Rajapakse from Buddhists.

Prior to the elections, Rajapakse formed an alliance with the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU or National Heritage Party), a Buddhist party that has campaigned vigorously for the adoption of anti- conversion laws. These laws would restrict freedom to convert from one religion to another and cast doubts on the motives of any religious group offering social or material assistance to the poor.

Now Rajapakse must deal with leading Buddhist monks who want the constitution amended to make Buddhism the state religion. Failing this, anti-conversion legislation will no doubt be put back on the parliamentary agenda.

Extremists have launched many violent attacks against Christians and churches in recent years, particularly after a leading Buddhist monk, Ven. Soma Thero, launched a campaign against conversions to Christianity in 2002.

A report issued by the U.S. State Department on November 8 took note of these acts of violence, saying Sri Lankans should honor their constitution – which protects the right of each citizen to practice the religion of his/her choice (Compass Direct).[/lang_en]

[lang_en]Sri Lankans elected a new president [November 17] who faces the challenge of dealing with a Buddhist elite seeking greater control over religious minorities. Christians are greatly concerned about pressure on President Mahinda Rajapakse from Buddhists.

Prior to the elections, Rajapakse formed an alliance with the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU or National Heritage Party), a Buddhist party that has campaigned vigorously for the adoption of anti- conversion laws. These laws would restrict freedom to convert from one religion to another and cast doubts on the motives of any religious group offering social or material assistance to the poor.

Now Rajapakse must deal with leading Buddhist monks who want the constitution amended to make Buddhism the state religion. Failing this, anti-conversion legislation will no doubt be put back on the parliamentary agenda.

Extremists have launched many violent attacks against Christians and churches in recent years, particularly after a leading Buddhist monk, Ven. Soma Thero, launched a campaign against conversions to Christianity in 2002.

A report issued by the U.S. State Department on November 8 took note of these acts of violence, saying Sri Lankans should honor their constitution – which protects the right of each citizen to practice the religion of his/her choice (Compass Direct).[/lang_en]