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Alarming increase of unethical conversions in the plantations

Original  Source http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/01/13/new23.html

by P. Rajaratnam in Nuwara Eliya

With the current issue of unethical religious conversions in the country the statistics compiled by major plantation trade unions reveal that the most alarming situation is noticeable in the plantation sector of the Central Province with particular emphasis on the Nuwara Eliya district.

The city of Nuwara Eliya and its surroundings had three major Christian churches for generations with the British planters and others who were predominantly residing in the plantation sector. In all, there had been a few other churches of the same order around the entire district. Today there are 23 new Christian denominations in Nuwara Eliya alone spread over few hamlets.

It is stated mostly the plantation Hindus being converted with economical offerings and gains in addition to internal disputes, rifts quarrels within their family circles who have been for generations the believers of the Hindu religion and its deities.

The statistics reveal that most of the unemployed, educated plantation youth have been lured into such new sects. with promised economic gains, provision of motor cycles, handsome perks etc.

The modus operandi of these young men and women who go round preaching is to get the young married Hindu women to do away with their sacred and holy 'Thali' which have been adorned by their husbands at the Hindu weddings.

It is further stated that those who belong to the Catholic religion were asked to get rid of their statues and adorn their homes with Jesus photographs and fall in line with the new Christian religion which has newly come into existence around the plantation sector.

A senior social worker and a Trade Unionist, D. Mahathavan says that it is pity although the Buddhist and Hindus patronise each others temples and believe in the same faith, the members of the Buddhist and Hindu clergies have failed to inculcate and promote each other's religion but with the banning of new Christianity in countries like India they have come in a big way into Sri Lanka

IGP directs probe on shady activities

Source: http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/01/15/new21.html

by Asanga Warnakulasuriya

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Indra De Silva revealed he was in receipt of reliable evidence pointing to the involvement of certain Christian fundamentalist sects in various nefarious activities including child sex .

The IGP said that he had been personally provided with information including video footage of these shady activities that included molesting of underaged children by so called "pastors".

Following this information, I have directed a special Police team to investigate such activities which are said to be taking place" IGP said.

"It is very clear that mainline Christian churches which have been functioning in Sri Lanka for many years are not behind these unlawful acts.

These religious leaders including the Maha Sangha and the Archbishop have pledged to co-operate with the Police in their efforts to combat this menace", the IGP said.

The IGP has requested the public to be vigilant and to verify whether some ordinary homes where these "services" are being conducted in fact has the approval of the local authority to conduct religious services.

The IGP also requested the public to act more responsibly in such situations and to avoid clashes at all costs.