Ethno-religious violence is an enduring feature of Sri Lanka history regardless of changes to the country’s political leadership. This study offers insights in key trends and drivers of religious violence from September 2019 to September 2020. A total of 63 incidents of violence against Christians as well as episodes of discrimination against Muslims and Hindus are analysed.
In 2020, the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka and Verité Research released Inaction and Impunity: Incidents of Religious Violence Targeting Christians, Muslims and Hindus 2015-2019, which analysed egregious acts of violence targeting minority faith groups in the country.
This study offers insights in key trends and drivers of religious violence from September 2019 to September 2020. A total of 63 incidents of violence against Christians as well as episodes of discrimination against Muslims and Hindus and analysed.
The study also provides a new method of classifying incidents of anti-Christian violence that allow for (i) an analysis of the severity of violence in relation to the perpetrator’s authority level and (ii) an analysis of the nature of police action in relation to the violence severity.
Overall, the findings of the study suggest a concerning pattern of state prejudice against minority faith groups and state protection of officials who restrict the religious beliefs of minorities.
- Year2021
- Categories Religious Violence Transitional Justice Research Reports English
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