Killing of Pastor Sebamalai Gunesh

11 October 2008

The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka is deeply shocked and dismayed at the acts of violence perpetrated on Christian clergymen in Sri Lanka during recent times; particularly during this past month.

Pastor Sebamalai Gunesh (aged 33) from the Elohim Gospel Church Orugodawatte is the latest victim of senseless violence. He went missing after attending a religious meeting on the 6th of October 2008. Two days later, his mutilated body was found dumped in Ragama. Pastor Gunesh leaves behind his wife and two children aged 4 and 2 years.

This is not an isolated incident but part of the violent culture prevalent in Sri Lanka in recent times. We have become a society where human life has little or no value. Violence and murder have sadly become the modes of resolving differences.

The Christian community in Sri Lanka is concerned and saddened by the violence which has claimed the lives of several Christian clergymen in recent time including Pastor Neil Edirisinghe, Pastor Gnanaseelan and Pastor Yesukumar. 

While we condemn all acts of violence and senseless murder committed against all persons, we call upon the Government of Sri Lanka to bring to justice those who are responsible for the murder of Pastor Gunesh.

May God grant us grace and strength to transform our nation, so that we might see justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream.

“Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14: 34)