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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n