In Sri Lanka, the coronavirus-associated shutdowns and curfews are bringing extreme hardship to many residents, especially those whose businesses or factories closed down. As has become an increasingly familiar story, people were unable to buy food without any income. The pandemic is creating dangerous situations in more than one way. 

Some of these families in need have students who attend Nazarene child development centers. In response, NCM Lanka mobilized to provide several weeks’ worth of food to 2,504 families from the centers during the month of April.

Kasun’s* Story:

Kasun attends a child development center in the central part of Sri Lanka. He is in the first grade. During the month of April, tourists would normally be visiting his area for the temperate climate and to enjoy several festivals. But with no tourists this year, many businesses suffered. As a single mother, Kasun’s mother typically earns income by selling vegetables, fruit, and flowers. “Usually during April, I make about two to three thousand Rupees from sales, but this year I don’t have money to even buy food for my children,” she says. She was able to visit the center during the shutdown to receive a food pack. “I don’t know how to say thank you to NCM Lanka and the people who provided for me and my children,” she shares. “Now I can make rice and curry.” 

Ashan’s Story

Ashan is one of nine children in his family, and because one of his siblings is physically challenged, his mother stays home to take care of them. They live in the northern part of the country in a village that was hit hard by a civil war. Ashan’s father is a day laborer who works on a farm, but he couldn’t work once the shutdown started. “What I earn for the day was just enough to feed the children” he explains. “Nothing remains. We have no savings to use in times such as this.” Ashan and one of his sisters attend a child development center, where they have come to know Jesus. The family was given two food packs from NCM Lanka to supplement their needs. “All I want is for God to bless you for helping my family … especially when no one thought of us,” his father says.

Sachini’s Story

Sachini lives in Sri Lanka, where she normally attends a nearby child development center. Sachini’s mother had to leave their village to find work to support both her daughter and her mother, who cared for Sachini as she grew. So she lives and works as a domestic helper in the city. “Her earning is not very sufficient to meet all our needs, but since our family does not have too many members, it is manageable,” Sachini’s grandmother shares.

 All that changed when the lockdowns began. Sachini’s mother was home for a bi-annual visit to see her daughter and mother when they found out she wouldn’t be able to return to the city for work. The family has had to go into debt to pay for groceries to survive.

When they received a food pack from the center, Sachini’s mother was overwhelmed. “This is a very big support to my family,” she shares. Sachini agrees, saying, “Mom was very worried that she could not make good food for me. Now with what we’ve received, she will make pittu, which is my favorite food!” 

The NCM Lanka staff joined in praying for this family and the many others who were helped from this food distribution. The families will be provided with similar food packs as they have need and study packs for children who still cannot return to school until restrictions are lifted. The teachers in the centers are overseeing the distribution of the study materials.

*Children’s names are changed for protection. 

To learn more about COVID-19-related compassionate outreach around the world, click here.