Nestling off the southern tip of India, the tropical island of Sri Lanka has beguiled travelers for centuries with its palm-fringed beaches, diverse landscapes and historical monuments. But for nearly two decades, the island was scarred by a bitter civil war arising out of ethnic tensions between Sinhalese and Tamils. The Sinhalese are the largest ethnic group in the country, officially comprising 11 million people or 74 percent of the population. Approximately 70 percent of the population is Buddhist, 15 percent is Hindu, 8 percent is Christian (including Catholics), and 7 percent is Muslim. While the Constitution contains a statement guarding freedom of religion, many Christian activities are seen to violate the special status awarded Buddhism. Amendments to existing laws and the introduction of a new law would only serve to further hinder religious freedoms within Sri Lanka. Christians in the country are deeply concerned over the legal proceedings that could bring about yet more persecution.

Population: 19.4 million (UN, 2005) Capital: Colombo (commercial), Sri Jayawardenepura (administrative) Area: 65,610 sq km (25,332 sq miles) Major languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English Major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 77 years (women) (UN) Monetary unit: Sri Lankan rupee Main exports: Clothing and textiles, tea, gems, rubber, coconuts GNI per capita: US $1,010 (World Bank, 2005)

Sri Lanka in the world map Beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka

Country flag

Children of Sri Lanka

Buddhist statues can be seen everywhere around the country

There are 4 active AWANA clubs in Sri Lanka

The children in two of the AWANA clubs in the capital Colombo are locals as well from other western countries like USA and Korea.

Sri Lankans are very friendly people by nature

The children in the war and Tsunami affected areas are living in poverty and are going through difficult times.

Pray with us

• Pray for protection for Christians as they are confronted by opposition.

• Pray for a lasting peace in Sri Lanka's civil war

• Pray that the Gospel message will continue to grow and that many will come to Christ, despite the opposition

• Pray for the 4 AWANA clubs in Sri Lanka and the leaders of the clubs

Challenges

• Reaching out to rural areas – need to have AWANA handbooks in national languages– Sinhala and Tamil– Tamil handbooks are available– Sinhala handbooks would be a great help.

• Churches don’t consider the children’s ministry as an important one.

• Reaching the rebel controlled areas is extremely difficult.• The people have both physical and spiritual needs.• Persecution is on the increase in Sri Lanka

For more information

• http://www.persecution.net/country/srilanka.htm

• http://www.christiantoday.com/news/missions/christian.persecution.intensifying.in.sri.lanka/413.htm

• http://www.lankalibrary.com/