Sri Lanka

Key Facts:

Leader:
President Rajapakse
Population:
19.3 million (8% Christian)
Majority Religion:
Buddhism
Type of Government:
Republic

Known as the 'island of tears' because of the prolonged fighting, the ceasefire between Hindu group, Tamil Tigers, and the Buddhist government troops ended in 2008. Evangelical churches have been growing rapidly but Buddhist nationalists have introduced new laws to curb this. Anti-conversion laws are under discussion and permits to build churches are limited. Nationalists are now urging the government to legislate against evangelists. In February 2008 a pastor was shot dead.

Prayer

• Pray for peace between the warring groups on the island.
• Praise God for the significant growth of the Church in rural areas. Many Buddhists are becoming Christians.
• Pray that church leaders would receive theological training.