Christian families starve in Sri Lanka

O Sri Lanka is experiencing an economic crisis resulting from the lockdown to contain the second wave of COVID-19. Since August 2021, there has been a shortage of food, fertilizers and a deficit in financial reserves. Daily workers were directly affected, so many families had to ration meals, and children missed school hours. Most Christians in Sri Lanka’s rural areas have also been severely affected.

The shortage of US dollars has also affected importers of LPG (liquid petroleum gas) and powdered milk, as they are having difficulty paying suppliers. Thus, there is not enough gas distribution to meet domestic demand. With record foreign exchange reserves falling and high import prices, the cost of vegetables, fuel, bus fares and general basic care expenses has increased.

The rural churches outside of Colombo, the country’s capital, suffered greatly from this. Most pastors have supported members of the congregation, but basic needs remain. With a lack of services, pastors and ministry volunteers struggle financially to pay family expenses.

The local partners of Portas Abertas supported families with and also provided subsidy to small businesses where the majority of beneficiaries are Christian leaders in rural areas. In addition, they supported rural churches and distributed school supplies to children who do not have access to online school.

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