As we are experiencing this firsthand, many countries are facing inflation and rising prices; however, Sri Lankans are among those suffering the most. This Indian Ocean Island nation of 22 million off the southeast coast of India has an inflation rate of over 60%. Food prices have nearly doubled; the economy has collapsed; there are shortages of food, gasoline, and medicine; and, approximately 25% of the population are skipping meals. Mr. Laryea-Adjei, UNICEF Regional Director of Asia, reports that, “families are skipping regular meals as staple foods become unaffordable. Children are going to bed hungry, unsure of where their next meal will come from.” (https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/08/1125522)

This country is primarily Buddhist with Evangelical Christians representing approximately 1.3% of the population. AIM/GCRI’s fall project is slated to assist Footprints Sri Lanka (FPS-LKA), an indigenous ministry run by ministry leader Roheen Jayawardene. The main focus for Footprints Sri Lanka has been to spread the gospel through audio visual and literature services and their Alpha School. Given the situation of rolling blackouts, food and supply shortages, and political unrest, Footprints Sri Lanka has increased their focus to help those in desperate need of food, especially in light of the current economic crisis.