Sri Lanka (MNN)–The World Evangelical Alliance mourns the murder of a pastor in Sri Lanka.
Security forces killed the Rev. Nallathamby Gnanaseelan, five days ago. He was the Pastor of Tamil Mission Church in Jaffna. According to WEA’s report, the shooting took place at Chapel Street when Rev. Gnanaseelan was heading to his Church to conduct a fasting and prayer event.
Security forces claimed they thought Gnanaseelan was carrying explosives and presented a security risk. Police shot him in the stomach and in the head, took his Bible, bag, identity card and motorcycle left him lying on the road. Authorities later said that he was shot because he did not stop when challenged to do so. WEA believes this to be a deliberate attempt to frame Rev. Gnanaseelan and justify the shooting.
The region is known for their persecution of believers. He leaves behind a wife and daughter. Sri Lanka ranks 30th on the list of the top 50 of the world’s worst persecutor of Christians and evangelical work. Continue to pray for the strength of testimony for believers in Sri Lanka.
