A protest was staged in Hikkaduwa by monks and area residents today against Christian churches operating in the area. The protesters blocked a section of the Galle – Colombo road during the protest and our reporter in the area said that some property was also damaged. The monks who led the protest said that two Christian worship centers were operating without authorization and demanded that they be shut down.
The Assembly of God (AOG) Hikkaduwa, (Baddegama Road) and the Calvary Free Church, (58, Amarasena Mawatha, Hikkaduwa), were attacked by a large mob led by monks this morning, demanding their closure, the church said in a statement.
The two churches were severely damaged and equipment destroyed. AOG said the congregation was marooned in the building of the Assembly of God church building. The police have not been able to restrain the mob.
“We have also been informed that contrary to previous reports the police gave very feeble assistance. Lawyers are now meeting with the police. As of now the immediate situation has been diffused but there is still some tension in the area. Although many of the details are unclear, it is clear that a mob attacked the churches while they were engaged in religious worship, which is a violation in terms of the Penal code. The police were also unable to control the mob,” AOG said in a statement,
(Colombo Gazette)