Pray for: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has endured much upheaval in the past generation. The 2004 tsunami was followed by a welcome but bloody end to the civil war in 2009. Over 100,000 people died, and over 1 million were displaced. Corruption and ethnic prejudice (especially between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority) remain common. Islamist suicide bombings on Easter 2019 killed hundreds. Terrible policies combined with the impact of COVID to create a severe economic crisis in 2021. In 2022 protests grew despite violent crackdowns until protestors seized the Presidential palace. The President fled and the Prime Minister resigned. Pray that this new era might bring a time of good governance, economic restoration, justice for all ethnic and religious groups, and freedom for the gospel. 

Sri Lanka once was known for its tolerance and non-violence. For centuries it was a Buddhist kingdom that welcomed refugees from India (Hindu, Muslim, Christian). But Buddhist extremism has grown in this multi-religious, multi-ethnic country. Many reacted to the Tamil violence, to Muslim growth, or to inappropriate methods of Christian evangelism. Persecution against Christians comes in waves, and at least 250 churches were destroyed or damaged in recent years. Intensifying Hindu extremism and Arab-funded Islamization in eastern Sri Lanka both target Christians. Beneath the layers of Buddhism and Hinduism the ancient spirits, gods, and demons still hold power. Pray for the power of Christ to break these strongholds.