An unidentified gang stormed a Methodist church in Pepiliyana, Dehiwala earlier this week and forcibly removed musical equipment, computers and vital documents such as baptism and marriage records, police and church officials said.
The incident occurred early on Monday morning, a day after the church had held a traditional procession to mark Palm Sunday.
The Pastor Rev. Surangika Fernando told The Sunday Times that this was the first such incident in the 150 year history of the church.
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| The church at Pepiliyana. Pic. by Berty Mendis |
“We have no known enemies whosoever, and the villagers have a good relationship with the church. This unprovoked attack comes as a surprise and we suspect the burglars were from outside the area,” Pastor Fernando said.
The intruders had broken in after damaging the doors and windows of the church and had later looted the place of whatever equipment that was available.
“The intruders apparently intended to show it was a robbery, but that is not the case. It appears they were after something else, which is a mystery to all of us. Why do they need baptism and marriage records? It is of no importance to any one except to the parishioners,” Pastor Fernando said.
This is the latest in a series of incidents where Christian churches and prayer halls have been targeted in and around the Homagama, Piliyandala and Kottawa areas.
A spokesperson for the Boralesgamuwa police said investigations were continuing and it was suspected the attack was carried out by persons from outside the area. |
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