Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka flag

Helo / Hello from Sri Lanka

Language: Sinhala

Lush forests, mountains and tea plantations cover Sri Lanka’s landscape. The island country known as “the pearl of the Indian Ocean” has many residents who struggle with poverty and malnutrition. Compassion-assisted children experience these realities daily. But at the Compassion center, there is hope.

Sri Lanka Stats

POPULATION: 23,187,516
70.2% Buddhist
12.6% Hindu
9.7% Muslim
7.6% Roman Catholic

24,925
CHILDREN SERVED

119
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

13
YEARS SERVING

A girl standing outside wearing a blue and white dress

A girl stands outside her child development center.

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A teacher standing in front of students in classroom

Children listen to their teacher in the classroom.

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A girl standing in a field near a cow

A girl stands next to a cow she received as a gift.

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A boy standing outside his home

A boy stands outside his child development center.

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A family sits on ground while selling their produce

A mother sits with her children next to the crops she sells to generate income.

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A girl stands outside the trainstation

A girl stands near the railway tracks she has to cross to get to school and her center.

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5 FACTS ABOUT SRI LANKA

  1. Sri Lanka is known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" due to its natural beauty.
  2. The country is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient city of Sigiriya, the sacred city of Kandy, and the old town of Galle.
  3. It is one of the world's leading exporters of tea.
  4. It is one of the best places in the world for wildlife enthusiasts.
  5. It has a unique cuisine with diverse flavors and influences.

SERVING RURAL COMMUNITIES IN SRI LANKA

Issue: Though only 7% of Sri Lankans live below the poverty line, people in remote areas often face many more challenges than those in urban communities. These areas often lack access to good nutrition and improved water and sanitation despite high rates of coverage nationwide.

Response: Compassion centers are located in communities with the greatest need — even those in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Where basic services are often lacking, Compassion intervenes with educational opportunities, nutritional support and lessons about good hygiene and sanitation practices.

Prayer Point: Pray for those trapped in poverty — especially those in rural areas who lack access to services and facilities enjoyed by people in other parts of the country.

A father and his daughter collecting water in a bucket

Compassion provides educational opportunities and nutritional support at the child development centers in Sri Lanka.

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Visit the Compassion blog to learn more about our work in Sri Lanka.

Did You Know?

Sri Lanka is known for its tea. It is currently one of the world’s top tea-producing nations.

Sponsor a Child in Sri Lanka

Life in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Fast Facts

Official Name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Form of Government: Presidential republic

Capital: Colombo

Population: 22,889,201

Languages: Sinhala (official), Tamil (official), English

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee

Area: 25,332 square miles (65,610 square kilometers)

Compassion has been working in Sri Lanka through its local development partner since 2010. These Sri Lanka facts and statistics provide a good picture of the reality of poverty and how child sponsorship through Compassion is making a difference.

Poverty is a problem in the country of Sri Lanka but with your support, Compassion is working to change this. The Sri Lanka facts tell a difficult story, but Compassion is bringing hope in the midst of the difficulties. Our programs are changing the statistics one child at a time.

Don't let the hopelessness of poverty overwhelm you. Sponsor a child in Sri Lanka!