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 Religious freedom in Sri Lanka hangs in the balance according to reportsThe Island daily newspaper reports that the recent experiment by Buddhist monks in blending religious intolerance and nationalism in the Sri Lankan Parliament has resulted in internal division, political failure, and social instability. The October 24th 2004 piece warns that,
The descent into irrationality and extremism by Buddhists will create a corresponding and (and perhaps more fanatical) descent into irrationality and extremism by members of other religions. This is a game none of us can win because it cannot be controlled or finessed. It will be taken over by fanatics of all faiths - the religious equivalents of the [ethnic terrorist] Tigers.
The Article relies heavily on the 2004 State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Sri Lanka (found here) as proof of a wave of largely anti-Christian violence. It goes on to warn that “[o]ne may see renewed attempts to whip up religious hysteria, perhaps even a few more attacks on churches - the ploy of creating a crisis.” The Becket Fund believes recent efforts to outlaw religious conversions in Sri Lanka not only inflames religious tensions but runs counter to international norms and the best traditions of Buddhism. More information is available at our companion website www.LankaLiberty.org.
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