With Threats of Abduction and Death Abounding, Christians in Sri Lanka Worry

Christians defend Buddhist professor after he receives death threats
ICC Note:
Religious freedom is under constant threat of extinction in Sri Lanka. In this situation a Buddhist professor has received death threats, and Christians have risen to defend him. They said, “In view of recent cases of abductions and disappearances, the threats against Prof Devasiri worry us.” This is because if the rights of the Buddhist are not defended, neither will the rights of Christians. They go on to say, “The government cannot allow such things. It must promote freedom of thought and freedom of expression, which are fundamental principles in every democracy.” We are inclined to agree with them.
by Melani Manel Perera
07/06/2012 Sri Lanka (AsiaNews)-… The Christian Solidarity Movement (CSM) called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa to guarantee freedom of expression and freedom of thought to all citizens.
Lay and religious Christian activists have called on Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to protect the life of Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri (pictured), a Buddhist and a senior lecturer in the Department of History at the University of Colombo as well as president of the Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA). In the past few days, he has received threatening phone calls and death threats from persons unknown for criticising government funding of education.
The Christian Solidarity Movement (CSM) wants an official inquiry in recognition that “the free expression of thoughts and freedom of involvement in trade union activities are fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution in Sri Lanka and human rights charter of the United Nations.”
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Since he and his colleagues organised a strike, he and his family have received threats from strangers.
“In view of recent cases of abductions and disappearances, the threats against Prof Devasiri worry us,” the CSM said.
“The government cannot allow such things. It must promote freedom of thought and freedom of expression, which are fundamental principles in every democracy. Failure to do so means that the government is against democracy.”
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