Parliamentary elections took place in Sri Lanka yesterday (25 April). Religious minorities were already concerned following the election of Gotabaya Rajapaksa in the 2019 presidential election, given the war crime allegations he faces, and his brother’s treatment of minorities during his two terms as president. If his party, the Sinhalese-Buddhist Nationalist Party, secures a majority, then Gotabaya will have carte blanche to pursue pro-Sinhalese Buddhist policies at the expense of religious minorities. On Easter Sunday 2019 a terror group carried out a series of bombings on churches and hotels across Sri Lanka, claiming hundreds of lives. The tragedy was followed by a spate of attacks on mosques and Muslim homes and businesses. Alongside this, there is a growing atmosphere of religious nationalism where hate, intimidation, harassment and attacks carried out against religious minorities are a daily occurrence. Find out more about Sri Lanka at csw.org.uk/srilanka.

Sunday 26 April

Pray that the aftermath of yesterday’s parliamentary elections is peaceful, and that the new parliament will respect the rights of religious minorities.

Monday 27 April

In June it will be five years since anti-Muslim attacks in Aluthgama and Beruwala, in the south-west of the country, resulted in at least four deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands. Ask God to comfort and provide for everyone who was affected.

Tuesday 28 April

Praise God for the inspiring courage shown by many in the Christian and Muslim communities, who continue to practise their faith despite the dangers.

Wednesday 29 April

By circulating hate content, social media can encourage attacks on religious minorities. For that reason, in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks, the government announced a social media shutdown. Yet social media can also spread useful information which could protect communities at risk. Pray that individuals will use this tool wisely.

Thursday 30 April

Pray for God’s comfort for those who lost loved ones, livelihood and homes in the Easter Sunday bombings and the reprisal attacks last year. Ask God to provide everything they need emotionally, spiritually and materially.

Friday 1 May

‘Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.’ (Proverbs 12:20) Pray this verse over Sri Lanka today.

Saturday 2 May

Father God, thank You for Your love which extends throughout all generations and to all people of the world. As Sri Lanka faces a critical time in its history, we ask that you will pour out Your Spirit of peace on the nation and transform it into a place where everyone is free to practise their beliefs peacefully.

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