We, the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka are deeply concerned about the atmosphere of religious tension created by accusations of alleged unethical conversion by certain groups, and the high incidents of reported violence against church workers and desecration of places of worship.

While pointing out that true conversion is essentially a matter of conviction and not a response to monetary or material inducement, we express our clear and strong objection to any form of unlawful or unethical conversion. We unequivocally condemn any fraudulent activity or allurement in the form of material benefits, or any undue pressure being exerted on any person for supposed religious conversion.... [MORE]

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Statement by the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka
On the proposed laws restricting conversions.

The Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka is aware of moves to introduce legislation regulating individual choice and religious freedom. We understand that a Bill titled "Prohibition of Forcible Conversion Bill" was placed before the Parliament on the 21st of July 2004 and a draft Act titled "Act for the Protection of Religious Freedom" which calls for a total ban on religious conversion was approved by the Cabinet.

The contents of the said Gazetted Bill and the draft Act violate the fundamental freedoms of thought, conscience and religion as enshrined in our Constitution. If enacted, these laws will enforce limitations on the freedom of religion of all religious groups, and legitimize harassment of minority religious groups which have peacefully co-existed in this land for generations.... [MORE]

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The immediate aftermath of the devastating Tsunami that battered Sri Lanka saw a decrease in the acts of religious violence. To a great extent, ordinary Sri Lankan citizens responded magnanimously, irrespective of race or religion. While the world at large marvels and rejoices over the unity and harmony between different religious groups; the Sri Lankan government has decided to introduce a new law restricting religious conversion.... [MORE]

We, the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka express our deep concern and regret at the reported moves by the government to introduce a Bill restricting the rights of citizens to convert from one religion to another.  

In practice, this proposed legislation will go way beyond its declared purpose of ‘protecting religious freedom’ of all religious groups. In fact, it will enforce limitations on religious freedom, legitimize violence & harassment of minority religious groups and further de-fragment our already divided society..... [MORE]

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