A Christian pastor received notice banning him from having church services in his home, reported relief organization Barnabas Fund.
The Jan. 8 letter from the Padavi Sripura Divisional Secretariat noted that the police and central government had conferred about the matter and that permission is necessary for a building to be used for religious activities, the report said.
Apparently, the Pradeshiya Sasanarakshaka, which is the local authority over Buddhist affairs, had also objected to the pastor’s home being used for Christian purposes, stated the report.
According to Barnabas Fund, the pastor had hosted church services in his home since 2013. Although the pastor had applied to the Ministry of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs office several times for permission to hold services in his home, no response was received.
A Barnabas Fund source said official registration for places of worship is not required by law.
Eight percent of Sri Lanka’s people are Christians. In addition to harassment and discrimination, they face violence from extremists who are either Buddhist, Muslim or Hindu.
