VIDEO: Post-war Sri Lanka marked by “state-sponsored Sinhala Buddhist triumphalism”

Expressing concern that the post-war period has been marked by “state-sponsored Sinhala Buddhist triumphalism,” Christian human rights groups today called on Sri Lanka to put an end to all abductions, forcible disappearances and the “rising violence against religious minorities”.

“Jubilee Campaign together with Christian Solidarity Worldwide expresses its grave concern that the period since the end of the war in Sri Lanka has been marked by state-Sponsored Sinhala Buddhist triumphalism, the weakening of democratic institutions and rule of law, the constriction of civil and political riots, abductions and forcible disappearances and a wide-spread climate of fear among human rights defenders and journalists,” a representative for the nonprofit organizations said addressing the UNHRC.

He stated that there has been a “deterioration” with regard to the freedom of religion or belief in Sri Lanka.

“The attack on a mosque in Dambulla by a mob led by extremist Buddhist monks has reignited concern about targeted violence against religious minorities in Sri Lanka.”

“Incidents of violence against Christian churches after declining in number for nearly 10 years are once again rising.”

“Recent rhetoric and attacks by Bodu Bala Sena, which is acting aggressively and with apparent impunity give rise to fresh concerns.”

The human rights organisations, which focus on religious freedom, alleged that there are increasing “restrictions” on peaceful and legitimate religious activities.

Delivering a statement at the adoption of the UPR Report on Sri Lanka, the human rights groups stated that the construction of religious buildings and conduct of religious activities in Sri Lanka are subject to “non-legislative circulars” from 2008 and 2012, issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

”They grant discretionary authority to local officials to determine on an arbitrary basis the legitimacy of religious activities and are implemented in a manner which is discriminatory against even angelical churches,” the representative said, addressing the 22nd session of the UN human Rights Commission today.

Charging that an increasing number of churches are being closed down by local officials, Jubilee Campaign (JC) and Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) urged Sri Lanka to issue a standing invitation to all special procedures mandates including to accept all outstanding visit requests.

“Sri Lanka must put an end to all abductions and forcible disappearances,” said Jubilee Campaign USA, submitting its analysis of religious freedom and human rights in Sri Lanka, as a contribution to the Universal Periodic Review of Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka should ensure that the process of promoting national reconciliation takes into account the need to protect Sri Lanka’s ethnic and religious pluralism and put an end to rising violence against religious minorities.”

Jubilee Campaign holds consultative status at the United Nations from the Economic and Social Council, allowing it to participate in international bodies such as the UN General Assembly in New York, the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and the International Criminal Court in the Hague.