Prayer Points
- Pray for physical and relational healing after a generation of civil war.
- Pray for the freedom of religious expression without proposed anti-conversion laws.
- Pray for growth and maturity for the indigenous Church.
Let us know you prayed today
Join the Circle of Prayer This Month
About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” can be described in superlatives. One of the longest documented histories in the world. Oldest democracy in South Asia. One of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world. First country in recorded history to have a female ruler. First modern nation with a female elected head of state. And, interestingly, the third most religious country in the world.
This Asian island off the southeast coast of India is reputed to have been King Solomon’s source for ivory, peacocks, and valuables, which he imported from the ancient seaport of Tarshish. An important stop on the Silk Road, Arab traders called ancient Ceylon “Serendip”, a Sanskrit term referencing the discovery of something by accident, which formed the root of the modern “serendipity”. Today, Sri Lanka, or “venerable island”, boasts one of the fastest growing economies in the world with over 60% of the gross domestic product coming from the service sector. However, severe income inequality and ethnic prejudice have driven large numbers of its citizens to seek work outside of the country. As a result, these populations are exploited, abused, and at times, enslaved at the hands of unscrupulous employers.
Ninety-nine percent of Sri Lankans say that religion is important in their lives, and the most recent civil war speaks to these strongly held beliefs. The war, waged over religious and ethnic divides, lasted from 1983 to 2009. And yet, despite efforts to preserve their religion and culture, significant increases in alcoholism, suicide, casual violence, and rape reveal a crisis in the belief systems to which Sri Lankans cling. Buddhism, the national religion, is protected and promoted, and while freedom of religion is guaranteed by law, violence and persecution against the 8% mostly Catholic Christian minority are not uncommon. As the number of Christians in Sri Lanka grows, we pray they continue to search for the pearl of great price – the hearts of the Sri Lankan people.
Population
21,982,608
Population In Unreached People Groups
15.3%
Population
21,982,608
Population In Unreached People Groups
15.3%
9:58 AM
-
Capital City
Colombo; Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
-
Government
Presidential Republic
-
Language
Sinhala, Tamil, English
-
GDP Per Capita
$13,000
-
Literacy Rate
92.3%
Data sources.
Latest News
-
Jul. 26, 2024
-
Jul. 26, 2024
Barack and Michelle Obama endorse Kamala Harris, giving her expected but crucial support
The Obamas are perhaps the last major party figures to endorse Harris formally.
-
Jul. 26, 2024
Indonesian Philanthropy Association and Tanoto Foundation Launch "Collaboration for the Nation" Book to Drive Transformation in Indonesia's Education Ecosystem
SINGAPORE, July 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Indonesian Philanthropy Association (PFI), together wit...
-
Jul. 26, 2024
India bring in Uma Chetry for Asia Cup semi-final
NigarSultana the Bangladesh captain, called correctly and elected to bat first in a bid to apply sco...
-
Jul. 26, 2024
French train lines hit by ‘malicious acts’ ahead of Olympics opening ceremony
High-speed trains around France were hit by several “malicious acts” Friday that heavily disrupt...
-
Jul. 26, 2024
Vantage Australia Explores HealthTech's Future in the Latest Episode of The Vantage View
SYDNEY, July 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading multi-asset broker, Vantage Markets ("Vantage") is del...
-
Jul. 26, 2024
Vantage Markets Reveals "The Future of HealthTech" in the Latest Episode of The Vantage View
PORT VILA, Vanuatu, July 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading multi-asset broker, Vantage Markets ("Vant...
-
Jul. 26, 2024
Kerr prepares for 'war' in bitter Ingebrigtsen rivalry
-
Jul. 26, 2024
Scorn as Bangladesh PM weeps at train station damage
Bangladesh’s leader has been accused of crying “crocodile tears” after she was photographed we...
-
Jul. 26, 2024
NTUC designated 'politically significant person' under Singapore's foreign interference law
The labour movement will be required to make annual disclosures on political donations of S$10,000 (...