How many Christians live in Sri Lanka?
There are almost 2 million Christians living in Sri Lanka. They make up 9.4 per cent of the population.
Why are Christians persecuted?
Sri Lanka is a majority Buddhist nation. Christians from historical churches have more freedom to worship. Converts from Buddhism are treated as second-class citizens. All Christian schoolchildren are forced to study Buddhism or Hinduism.
What is life like for Christians in Sri Lanka?
Converts from Hindu or Buddhist backgrounds face harassment and discrimination. We have seen this many times. They are pressured to abandon their new faith. Churches in rural areas have been attacked or closed, and Christians have been assaulted. In April 2019, 253 people were killed and at least 500 people wounded during a series of bomb attacks by Islamic militants. on churches and hotels on Easter Sunday.