Facts About Sri Lanka

Facts about Sri Lanka:

ServeNow currently serves in 22 countries to share Christ’s passion for the world by serving the most vulnerable through national churches and leaders. Since the start of our ministry, it’s grown significantly throughout Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Muslim World. Sri Lanka is just one of the Southern Asia countries where we serve.

Sri Lanka is nicknamed The Pearl of the Indian Ocean and the teardrop of India. It’s known for its breathtaking beaches and picturesque sceneries that unfold the mysteries of ancient ruins. This small island nation is home to rich biodiversity, large cinnamon and tea exportations, and breathtaking natural wonders.

Here are some quick, key facts you should know about Sri Lanka:

• Population: 22,156,000.
• Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
• Official language: Sinhala and Tamil.
• Area: 25,330 square miles (65,610 kilometers). The land mass is comparable to the size of West Virginia, but Sri Lanka’s population dominates.
• Economy: Sri Lanka’s challenged by an unsustainable fiscal deficit that adversely impacted the poor and most vulnerable. The current poverty rate lives at $3.20. The Sri Lanka rupee struggles with substantial devaluation alongside record-high inflation. Learn more about what we’re doing to serve the most vulnerable.

Culture and Traditions in Sri Lanka:

Sri Lankan culture blends influences from Buddhism and Hinduism. It’s home to two main traditional cultures: the Sinhalese and the Tamil. Buddhism is the major religion with 70.2% of the population. The remaining population identifies 12.6% as Hindu, 9.7% as Muslim, and 6.1% as Christian.

Lanka’s national motto is Pro Patria, which means “For the Fatherland” in Latin. Interestingly enough, Sri Lanka holds the hi

ghest literacy rate in South Asia at 92 percent. The country prioritizes education as a fundamental right in its Constitution.

Food and Drink in Sri Lanka:

Kottu Roti is Sri Lanka’s national dish. This meal consists of diced roti stir-fried with scrambled egg, onions, chilies, spices, and optional vegetables or meat, such as beef and chicken also occasionally mutton or chicken. Another infamous Sri Lankan dish is rice with curry. Rice is typically eaten with vegetables, meat, etc. Traditionally food is served on a plantain leaf or lotus leaf.

Why ServeNow opened and serves in Sri Lanka:

Because of our nonprofit’s long-lasting connections and partnerships, ServeNow partnered with Lal Withange as our national leader. He served with Lars Dunberg at Global Action and perfectly represents the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. ServeNow Sri Lanka launched in 2021 and began to serve the most vulnerable communities alongside the church.

What are some of ServeNow’s projects in Sri Lanka?

On August 30, 2022, Sri Lanka announced a national financial emergency due to the substantial devaluation of its currency. Sri Lankans are facing the brink of bankruptcy, violent protests, food and medical shortages, record-high inflation, and so much more. Our current projects focus on serving the most vulnerable through numerous projects; Containers of Hope, the Basic Series, the Joseph Project, Unity Service,  and other basic needs. Each project falls under our three pillars (Equipping the Church, Educating for Eternity, and Outstretched Hands).

• ServeNow’s Containers of Hope fulfilled some of the greatest needs with two 40-foot containers. These were filled with assorted medical equipment and hospital beds.
• Our Basic Series brings forth the Good News and disciples of the Sri Lankan Church in dire times. This fiscal year, ServeNow needs support to print and distribute 24,000 Basic Series books in Sinhala and Tamila (four new book titles).
• The Joseph Project equips screened participants with essential food items for home gardening, raising chickens, and more options to empower sustainability.
• Since Fall 2020, ServeNow Sri Lanka hosts a weekly online program called the Unity Service. Our International President, Ben Foley, shares a curated weekly message translated into the two main languages. These services reach Sri Lanka primarily, but many other views from Asia and European countries
• Feeding the Hungry aims to provide immediate food relief for those facing starvation. This will feed 3,600 people in a year.
• Caring for Children meets the needs of rural communities with school supplies. Our hope is to build relationships with the local schools and children in need.

ServeNow Sri Lanka is dedicated to sharing Christ’s passion for the world by serving the most vulnerable through national churches and leaders. Together, we can bring the Gospel to light by meeting critical needs holistically.

Lastly, please pray for the most vulnerable in Sri Lanka and safety as Ben Foley travels to see what’s happening there and the impact of our programs. Consider your role in generosity to meaningfully impact Sri Lankans.