Sri Lanka
Christians are a small minority (about eight percent) of the total population of Sri Lanka, Partners Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and SocietyThe CISRS has co-sponsored a Joint WomenΓÇÖs Program with the William Carey Study and Research Center. This program has attempted to address the issues of communal harmony; growing violence against women and children; economic policies particularly as they impact women; and the JWP has lobbied the government on these and other issues related to women. Ecumenical Institute for Study and Dialogue (EISD) – Sri Lanka The Ecumenical Institute for Study and Dialogue is dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among members of the various religious traditions represented in Sri Lanka. The Study Center building is used by a number of church-related organizations and other institutions to provide accommodation for participants involved in Study Programs. The endowment fund enables the EISD to continue developing and offering opportunities for programs that will promote respectful and cooperative relationships among differing faith traditions. Green Memorial Hospital Green Memorial Hospital was, at its zenith, a large, flourishing, state-of-the-art medical facility carrying on the dedicated medical mission work of several generations of missionary and national doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. During the many years of conflict, beginning in 1983, the hospital has been reduced to a small out patient department due to their inability to get and keep quality doctors and maintain a steady supply of all the materials necessary to the functioning of a hospital. Government hospitals have been better positioned to keep staff and supplies. Global Ministries is now in partnership with Green Memorial Hospital and is helping to support a few physicians in the hope that the Hospital can be eventually restored to its former capacity. House for Hope, Sri Lanka House for Hope is a Leper Colony which provides a home, treatment and hope for those battling leprosy. Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India The Christian communities of Sri Lanka are members of the Church of South India. The Jaffna Diocese is their local body of church governance. The Jaffna Diocese has been challenged for many years to find ways of promoting peace in a country torn by war. More recently they have been challenged to respond to the devastation of the tsunami. Much of the governmentΓÇÖs relief delivery has been directed to serve the Sinhalese population. Tamils, in the north and northeast have been in conflict with the Sinhalese for over twenty years and the tensions are still high. Global Ministries support for tsunami relief in Sri Lanka has been directed to the Jaffna Diocese for assisting these Tamil Communities which are not being served by the government relief programs. Jaffna College Jaffna College has been serving the people of Sri Lanka for over 175 years. National Christian Council of Sri Lanka The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka has been involved in interfaith dialogues, theological education and rehabilitation in the midst of the civil war. They are now developing their capacity to address the HIV/AIDS crisis. The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka has been involved in interfaith dialogues, theological education and rehabilitation in the midst of the civil war. Uduvil Girls College Uduvil was created to provide educational opportunities for Tamil girls who were getting only minimal education. It is now 175 years old and still dedicated to promoting the education and cultural advancement opportunities for girls. Missionary Grace Bunker has recently retired after serving at Uduvil for 4 years.
Christians are a small minority (about eight percent) of the total population of Sri Lanka, but our partners, the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India and the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka, are involved in national reconciliation in this ethnically and religiously divided nation. In the midst of civil war, our partners in the church in Sri Lanka seek to provide community development, interfaith dialogue, and relief and rehabilitation to those affected by the violence.
Pray for: Global Ministries staff and missionaries, as we follow the lead of our Sri Lankan partners in caring for those who are most in need.
Christian leaders as they participate in attempts to bring reconciliation and healing to a nation divided by religious differences.
Population (2014 est) – 21,866,445
Area – 40,770mi
Capital – Colombo
Ethnic Background
Sinhalese – 73.8%
Sri Lankan Moors – 7.2%
Indian Tamil – 4.6%
Sri Lankan Tamil – 3.9%
Other – 0.5%
Unspecified – 10%
Exports – textiles and apparel, tea and spices; rubber manufactures; precious stones; coconut products, fish
Imports – petroleum, textiles, machinery and transportation equipment, building materials, mineral products, foodstuffs
Life Expectancy (2014 est) – M 73 years F 80 years
Infant Mortality (2014 est) – 9.02 deaths/1,000 live births
Adult Illiteracy Rate – 8.8%