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CANADA, June 9, 2004: The Voice of the Martyrs, a Canada-based evangelical Christian organization issued the following news statement today:



Within the next two weeks, it is expected that an anti-conversion bill will be presented to the Sri Lankan parliament by members of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) in an apparent attempt to stem the growth of Christianity, particularly among Buddhists. The JHU is a party set up by Buddhist monks with the goals of introducing anti-conversion legislation and promoting Buddhism within Sri Lanka. Once on the parliamentary order paper, the only option available is an appeal to the Supreme Court within seven days. Christian groups, including the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, intend to appeal to the Supreme Court, but are skeptical of the possibility of success, in light of recent decisions by the Supreme Court. A copy of the proposed bill is available here. (HPI recommends you read it.)



As a private member bill, it is uncertain if either of the major parties will vote with the JHU. However, if put to a conscience vote, it is expected that the bill would pass. If this bill does not pass, the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka reports that the Minister of Buddha Sasana and former Prime Minister, Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, is expected to introduce three similar anti-conversion bills. As minister, it is expected that those bills would pass even if the JHU-sponsored bill is defeated.

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