The following is a letter written from the Secretary General of the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka and I believe it will help explain the general idea of why such a trip to Sri lanka is of value.

Rev. Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe
Executive Director
World Evangelical Alliance (WEA)

Dear Dr. Tunnicliffe,

I write with deep concern for peace in our beloved country Sri Lanka which has been ravaged by war and terror for over 20 years, bringing death, destruction and displacement of thousands of men, women and children. The human tragedy is horrific.

The Church has not escaped the horrors of war. Over 10 pastors have lost their lives due to war; 5 of them within the past 3 months. Thousands of church members are displaced and living in crowded makeshift refugee camps. Yet others are trapped in the midst of fighting. Some have paid the ultimate price and lost their lives while trying to flee from bullets and bombs.

We would like to invite you and a delegation from the WEA to undertake a good will mission to our country as peacemakers to demonstrate solidarity with the suffering church and to encourage the church during this very difficult time.

It will be an opportunity for WEA to engage in a fact finding mission and mobilize awareness and much needed prayer.

A visit will also allow the wider church family all over the world to experience first‐hand and identify with the suffering church and also a great opportunity for WEA to meet with the leaders of the Sri Lankan government, advocate for peace and justice and explore possibilities of engaging in peacemaking.

Although the Protestant Christians population in Sri Lanka number less than 1 percent, we believe that we are called to a prophetic role to be peacemakers, bringing together both Sinhalese and Tamil ethnic groups and restoring relationships and healing between communities and individuals in our bruised and bleeding nation.

It will also offer an opportunity for the global church to minister to and assist with the
humanitarian efforts of the local church and partner in rebuilding lives and churches.

Looking forward to your favorable response.

In Christ,

Godfrey Yogarajah
General Secretary ‐ NCEASL