National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka

19th Amendment

In our up-date of 30th September 2004, we shared with you the news that a Constitutional amendment is being proposed by the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU)

party, declaring Buddhism as the State religion. The Gazette notification of this amendment was published in the Gazette of 29th of October 2004. This draft is called the 19th Amendment (the first draft was called the 18th Amendment).

The purpose of the said Bill as stated in the Gazette notification - "A Bill to amend the Constitution of Sri Lanka;

to provide for declaration of Buddhism as the official religion of the Republic;

to provide for binding persons practicing Buddhism to bring up their offspring in the same (faith) ;

to provide for prohibiting conversion of Buddhists ;

to provide for establishing a council to advise the President on such matters and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto"

While declaring Buddhism to be the State religion, the Act goes on to say that other forms of religion may be practised, " in peace and harmony with Buddha Sasana". Freedom of worship for other religions is subject to public order and morals. Sec. 9.5 explicitly prohibits converting Buddhists into other forms of worship or to "spread other forms of worship among the Buddhists".

The provisions of this amendment are far more restrictive than the anti-conversion Bill.

Anti-conversion Bill - JHU issues ultimatum to government

Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha M.P. of the JHU, appearing on Swarnavahini TV news 'Live at 8' programme of 1st December 2004, made a statement making three demands from the government. These were - - the appointment of a Presidential commission in to the death of Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thero. - closing down all liquor outlets in supermarkets. - specifying a time frame for taking up the 'Prohibition of forcible conversions' Bill in Parliament for voting.

The JHU issued an ultimatum to the government - if these demands are not met by 6.a.m. on the 12th of December 2004, the JHU will begin a fast-un-to-death.

A repeat of December 2003?

December 12th is a day of special significance, as it marks the 1st death anniversary of Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thero. The JHU has made clear their intention to select this day to lay down their lives, as a mark of respect for the late Thero.

There is growing concern that the death anniversary of Ven. Soma Thero and the JHU's ultimatum will precipitate another spate of violence against Christian churches - following the pattern of the aftermath of his funeral on Christmas eve 2004.

There appears to be a deliberate attempt to re-kindle anti-Christian sentiments, disrupting the celebration of Christmas by the Christian community. There may also be those who wish to monopolize on this situation and create trouble.

We gently urge you to be aware of these developments and to act with great wisdom during the coming season. Please pray for the Church and our country. ------------------------------------------------------------- rlc/NCEASL/ 02.12.2004