“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land”.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NRSV)

The current state of affairs in Sri Lanka leaves much to be desired.

Corruptions, Misuse of political power by political leaders and political instability have led to the financial crisis which was brewing for some time and caused much hardship to almost everyone in Sri Lanka. At present, it has reached a climax where things are getting out of control and people have got to the streets. Today we commemorate the third anniversary of the Easter bombing in Katuwapitiya church, Negombo, St. Anthony’s Shrine, Colombo and Zion Church, Batticaloa Sri Lanka, where 269 people, both adults and children, lost their lives.

There is a very peaceful protest going on right now in the capital of Sri Lanka, at the Galle Face Green in Colombo, initiated by the young folk who have even put up shelters for their stay during the night and against rains. It has reached its 12th day with no response from the Government. Many more people from different parts of the country have joined to extend their support in their respective hometowns against the government. But these have all fallen on deaf ears. These people are engaged in shouting slogans wanting the President to step down and go back home. Unfortunately in Rambukkana, a town in Kegalle District one person was killed and 24 injured when the police opened fire to disperse the protesters.

Foreign debt, Increased money supply, depreciation of the rupee, higher public wages and shortage of foreign exchange have caused inflation and as a result, there is a severe shortage of milk powder, gas, petrol and diesel and also other essential goods which could not be cleared for want of exchange. This has been going on for some time and there are containers of foodstuff still in the harbour that cannot be cleared for want of funds. Prices of foodstuff have skyrocketed and many people earning a daily wage have to forego meals and even starve their children due to want of money. In addition to this, there is a power cut of around 6 to 7 hours daily.

We are also affected by power cuts but the staff have to get to the office to work because of power cuts at home. With limited diesel, we run the generators carefully and manage our work. By God’s Grace, our staff have not been affected and we are managing as best as we could. Our plans for travel to carry out sales of Bibles and Scripture materials as well as other organized programs have all been put on hold for want of fuel and other disruptions since we have to be mindful of usage of fuel.

• Right now we are running into a shortage of medicines which could get worse.
• Families are severely traumatized and are under enormous pressure trying to find money to feed their families.
• The cost of Living has almost doubled in Sri Lanka and yet keeps rising.

This is really the hardest and saddest time in Sri Lanka’s history. With trust in God, we are all earnestly Praying for the country, especially for the leaders who even at this late stage will come to their senses and be able to find a solution to solve the people’s problems since they have suffered enough. People are definitely not able to bear this suffering any longer, because it seems to have reached a climax! Therefore we earnestly urge you to pray for Sri Lanka to have good governance and economic stability so that the people can live a peaceful and harmonious life.
May God’s grace be with you.

Yours sincerely,

Rev. Priyantha Wijegoonawardena
General Secretary