The Director of Global Initiatives of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, has called on Christians worldwide to help the Sri Lankan church meet the overwhelming humanitarian crisis affecting their country.

The aftermath of Sri Lanka’s three decade old armed conflict has displaced more than 300,000 people who are desperately in need of food, medical assistance and other basic needs. They include malnourished children, pregnant and lactating mothers and the elderly.

“Despite being a small minority, the Christian community is valiantly and sacrificially giving to meet these needs, but urgently requires assistance from their brothers and sisters elsewhere in the world if they are to complete their task,” said Tunnicliffe, who is also the International Director of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA). “The church is called to be salt and light and rarely have I seen such dedication in extending God’s love to non-Christian communities, despite logistical difficulties and real personal danger to themselves.”

Tunnicliffe travelled to Sri Lanka, from 1 to 6 June, with a high level international delegation of Christian leaders and diplomats in order to meet with a wide range of faith, civil society and political leaders.

One of the major themes that emerged from the meetings was the facilitating role in the conflict played by the large Sri Lankan diaspora.

Hon. David Kilgour, former Canadian member of Parliament and once Secretary of State Asia-Pacific, and a member of the delegation commented, “Many Canadians of Sri Lankan origin are deeply traumatized. Family members have died and trust has been broken. As the church, we are here to be a pastoral presence and provide support. But we also want to challenge all in the diaspora to commit to non-violence, reconciliation and human rights. This is needed to build harmony on the island.”

The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL), the Sri Lankan chapter of the WEA, is presently feeding over 10,000 people every day at a cost of US$1.50 per person per day for basic food. However, there are many thousands who still need food and no one is sure how long it will be before the government is able to allow the displaced Sri Lankans to return home.

Rev. Godfrey Yogarajah of the NCEASL welcomed the end of hostilities, “As a Christian I have hope for the future of Sri Lanka. But the danger is now that the headlines highlighting the war are reducing, the world will forget about those who continue to be affected. For us the real work is only now beginning!”

The EFC has set up a Sri Lanka relief fund. Those wishing to respond financially to this need should send cheques payable to “The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada,” indicating “Sri Lanka” in the memo line. Or they can donate online by including “Sri Lanka” in the comments field.

For more details on the humanitarian relief: www.nceasl.org