02.05.2022

Devastating economic and political crisis in Sri Lanka

Every day, people demonstrate in the capital of Colombo and demand the resignation of the government. © Fotos: Jochen Motte/UEM

The church president of the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka, Rev. Joseph Ebenezer, in conversation with UEM Executive Board member Jochen Motte.

A severe economic and political crisis has been shaking Sri Lanka for weeks. The government can no longer pay its foreign debts, and national bankruptcy is looming. This has drastic consequences for the civilian population: Prices for food and raw materials such as gasoline have tripled in some cases. Many essential everyday goods are no longer available, and even medicines in hospitals are becoming scarce. The Sri Lankan population accuses the government of being responsible for the crisis, and Corona and the current Ukraine conflict have now dramatically exacerbated the situation. Every day, people demonstrate in the capital of Colombo and demand the resignation of the government.

The UEM Fellowship, represented by Dr. Jochen Motte, Deputy General Secretary of the UEM, conveys solidarity and sympathy to its member, the Methodist Church in Sri Lanka. "The people are affected by immediate poverty. Many do not even have one meal a day. Sick people are dying because of the lack of essential medicines," says church president, Rev. Joseph Ebenezer. " The solidarity visit has a great meaning for us. It shows a willingness to support us in this crisis and to draw attention to the suffering of the people."

Together with representatives of Misereor and Bread for the World, the visit also serves to get an overview of the situation on the ground. In talks with churches and civil society, they will discuss what measures can be taken to support the people in Sri Lanka.