DESIGNATION: Hostile

BACKGROUND: The island nation of Sri Lanka, located off the eastern coast of India, is still rebuilding from a civil war that ended in 2009. The government has put significant efforts into resettling those displaced during the conflict between the majority-Buddhist Sinhalese population and the Hindu Tamil separatists.

MAJOR RELIGIONS: Sri Lanka remains a nation divided. Hinduism is prevalent in the north, while Buddhism dominates the south.

PERSECUTOR: Buddhist monks are the primary persecutors, stirring up communities against the Christians who live among them. Hindus also oppose evangelism and conversion to Christianity.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN IN SRI LANKA: Christians can openly gather and worship in Sri Lanka. Recently, however, the government stated that churches must be officially registered. When Buddhists in local governments feel threatened, they sometimes attack a pastor or his home. Strong Christian leadership programs as well as missions sending agencies exist throughout Sri Lanka.

ACCESS TO BIBLES: There is a Bible Society in Sri Lanka, and Bibles are readily available.

VOM WORK: VOM supports training for pastors and church planters.