On March 25th, a Buddhist monk led a group of about 50 people into a church and demanded that the Christians cease worship activities. when police arrived, they scolded the Christians for disturbing the peace and ordered the pastor to go to the station for an interview. Pastor Ishara visited the police station twice but never met the officer in charge. A week later, the pastor, who had led worship in the area for 17 years, received a letter stating that his church must register with the government.

When he again visited the police station, he was met by a mob of about 200 people. Police demanded that he immediately stop all religious activities, warning him that he would face severe consequences if he failed to comply. Police subsequently charged Pastor Ishara with disturbing the peace, and villagers have attacked him on several occasions, throwing rocks at his house. Pray for pastor Ishara’s strength and peace during these difficulties, and pray that he will find favor with the government so his church can continue to worship.

Similar incidents involving Buddhist activists were reported in Sri Lanka earlier this year.