Pastor Gunadasa is one of the beneficiaries of the aid. He received training in financial management, which later helped him to start his own confectionery business.
Like Gunadasa, pastors typically come from poor and marginalized backgrounds. Their income is largely dependent on the contributions of their parishioners. But due to lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis in the country, which has led to the poverty rate doubling in the past year, the pastors' income has been uncertain. "The congregation was hit hard as many lost their income. The crisis also affected church attendance as many could not afford transportation to church. It was difficult for me to meet the basic needs of my family," says Gunadasa.
Read also: Pastor Premakanthan was helped to help himself when COVID-19 took away his livelihood
Supporting pastors is therefore crucial to creating viable congregations - and in addition, the initiative contributes to greater acceptance of the church in the local community.
There are numerous examples of discrimination against priests and churches being unwanted in a society where Buddhism is the main religion. Most recently, in February, a church service in Kalutara district in western Sri Lanka was interrupted by police officers after Buddhist monks filed a complaint that the service was being conducted illegally. The monks objected to services being held in a predominantly Buddhist town and later the priest's house was surrounded by monks and villagers who issued threats that he could not hold services for anyone but his own family.
The partner of the Danish European Mission reports that churches that were previously discriminated against have been accepted by society as a result of the aid, as the initiative contributes to more jobs and the production of valuable goods for the village.
"I am eternally grateful to you for giving me this opportunity and supporting my faith journey. Thank you and God bless you," wishes Gunadasa.
