Country Profile

The Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced beginning in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C. to circa 1000 A.D.) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty seized power in the north and established a Tamil kingdom. Occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century, the island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted into war in 1983. Tens of thousands have died in an ethnic conflict that continues to fester. After two decades of fighting, the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam formalized the cease-fire in February 2002, with Norway brokering peace negotiations.

Testimonies from Sri Lanka
In 2005, a devastating tsunami hit Sri Lanka, and World Hope International, which had pre-existing education and child sponsorship programs in the country, immediately responded with emergency relief.  During 2006, World Hope’s focus shifted from emergency relief to longer-term restoration initiatives.  Given the urgency of moving people out of temporary shelters, World Hope began to meet the critical need for high-quality permanent housing.  World Hope mobilized volunteers and financial resources to construct homes for the tsunami victims, many workers risking their lives every day. In turn, World Hope Sri Lanka has provided houses for those in need, bringing relief to this part of the world.

Tsunami Relief
This year saw the completion of World Hope’s tsunami response in Sri Lanka. Altogether, 106 houses were given to families who lost their homes. The World Hope homes measured 610 sq. ft. in accordance with the specifications of Sri Lanka’s Urban Development Authority.

World Hope bought land for forty bereft families, volunteers built houses on the lots. Thirty of the homes were in the troubled area of the East coast where the Tamil Tiger rebels and government troops have been engaged in increasing violence. In the midst of danger to World Hope’s workers, these houses were built. The tsunami response activities cost a total of $738,000.

Community Hope Trust Fund
Throughout the term of the tsunami relief project, World Hope worked with a partner, Community Hope Trust Fund, building capacity in this young organization. Community Hope serves victims of gender-based violence and human trafficking.