SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, island country lying in the Indian Ocean and separated from peninsular India by the Palk Strait. Proximity to the Indian subcontinent has facilitated close cultural interaction between Sri Lanka and India from ancient times. Later European mapmakers called it Ceylon, a name still used occasionally for trade purposes. It officially became Sri Lanka in 1972. Colombo, which emerged as the main urban centre during British rule, remains the executive and judicial capital of Sri Lanka; Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, a Colombo suburb, is the legislative capital. For administrative purposes, the country has been divided into nine provinces and subdivided into 25 districts.

Sri Lanka is densely populated. The majority of its people are poor, live in rural areas, and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Most of the soils of Sri Lanka are potentially suitable for some kind of agricultural use. However, depletion of the natural fertility of the soil has occurred extensively, especially on the rugged terrain of the highlands, owing to poor soil conservation. About four-fifths of all Sri Lankans live in rural settlements, of which there are several types.

The Netherlands was ardently Protestant—specifically, Calvinist—and in the early years of Dutch rule an enthusiastic effort was made to curtail the missionary activities of the Roman Catholic clergy and to spread the Reformed church in Sri Lanka. Roman Catholicism was declared illegal, and its priests were banned from the country; Catholic churches were given to the Reformed faith, with Calvinist pastors appointed to lead the congregations. Despite persecution, many Catholics remained loyal to their faith; some nominally embraced Protestantism, while others settled within the independent Kandyan kingdom. In their evangelical activities the Protestant clergy were better organized than their Catholic counterparts; in particular they used schools to propagate their faith.

During the period of Dutch rule in the coastal areas there was a revival of Buddhism in the Kandyan kingdom and in the southern part of the island. While the Dutch felt great antipathy toward Catholicism, they indirectly contributed to the revival of Buddhism by facilitating transport for Buddhist monks between Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the Arakan (Rakhine) region in southwestern Myanmar (Burma). Such services helped the Dutch maintain good relations with the king of Kandy.

Representing a new strand in the traditions of both Sinhalese and Tamil literature, Christian writings began to appear during the Dutch period. Although most of these new works were translations of basic canonical texts, some were polemics that targeted both Buddhism and Hinduism. The 18th-century writer Jacome Gonƈalves was among the most notable figures in Sri Lankan Christian literature. The VOC’s establishment in 1734 of the first printing press in Sri Lanka—used to meet the needs of missionaries as well as administrators—aided the proliferation of Christian texts.

During latter part of 20th Century Christians had a better place in society as well as in number, but now occupies the lowest grid of all religions existing in Sri Lanka. For the last 3 decades terrorism has ravaged & devastated the country. Christian population declined as many who had some means migrated. From latter part of last century and up to now the Christian population has declined while the rest of religions have increased their sector. This may have a snow-balling effect in the future unless remedial action is taken immediately. 70% of Sri Lankan population are Buddhists, 15% are Hindus, and 8% are Muslims while Christians are only 7% compared to other religions. Christians in Sri Lanka equivalent to sprats in the ocean. The rest can swallow and wipe off as experienced in Muslim countries.

Unemployment in the family is the root cause of poverty resultin in family disruptions with children going astray. For some three meals a day is unthinkable, at times mother skip off meals to feed the children. Poverty distance the poor especially the children from Christianity. But feeding, clothing, sheltering and guiding them to follow Christian life enhance Christian population.

They live in tin roofed houses. Children are like stray dogs. No schooling or health care, bend on criminal activities from their tender age. We must show special care to these wayward children.

Psalm 102 vs 12 – 17 (MSG); Yet you, God, are sovereign still, always and ever sovereign. You’ll get up from your throne and help Zion— it’s time for compassionate help. Oh, how your servants love this city’s rubble and weep with compassion over its dust! The godless nations will sit up and take notice —see your glory, worship your name— When God rebuilds Zion, when he shows up in all his glory, When he attends to the prayer of the wretched. He won’t dismiss their prayer.

Prayer

1) We are going to thank God for the nation, people and government of Sri Lanka.

2) This morning, we need to plead with God on behalf of Sri Lanka, to rise up with His compassion and help build the church in this nation in the name of Jesus.

3) Lord we stand on behalf of Sri Lanka this morning and beg of you to rebuild the church and make it what you have ordained it to be. Lord please attend to the prayer of the saints of this nation in Jesus name.

Matthew 13 vs 23 (KJV); But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

4) As the seed of the word of God is being sown into the lives of the Sri Lankans, we pray that it will meet with good and fertile hearts in Jesus name.

5) We pray for understanding for every hearer of the message of Calvary in Sri Lanka in Jesus name. Lord we pray for multiplication of the word and a burst out of revival in this nation in Jesus name. 

Isaiah 19 vs 1 (NIV); See, the Lord rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear.

6) Lord please arise swiftly and come into Sri Lanka, let your glory fall upon the people of that nation in Jesus name.

7) Let every idol of Buddhism, Hinduism & Islam tremble and melt as your Spirit moves over that nation. O Lord cause deliverance to come upon this nation and grant your people total freedom in Jesus name.