Sri Lanka is currently experiencing one of the worst weather-related crises in recent years, with continuous heavy rainfall and cyclonic conditions causing widespread destruction across the island. Severe flooding, earth slips, and displacement have left thousands vulnerable and struggling to cope with the sudden devastation.
Among the areas at high risk is the Redemptorist Mother House in Kandy, widely known as the Sancta Maria Shrine, has faced a serious landslide threat due to the unstable ground conditions, with wide cracks appearing in the ground along the refectory side of the community house.
In this time of suffering and uncertainty, our Redemptorist confreres throughout the Region of Colombo have responded with generosity and missionary zeal. They are actively engaged in relief works, assisting displaced families and vulnerable individuals in the affected regions with efforts being made to distribute essential supplies such as food, dry rations, clothing, bedding, and other basic necessities to help those who have lost their homes and livelihoods regain some stability.
In the wake of the devastating floods that have swept across Sri Lanka, considered one of the worst disasters the country has faced in recent years—the Redemptorists of the Region of Colombo continue to reach out to families who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
The confreres visited three severely affected parishes in the Chilaw–Negombo belt namely, Waikkal, Thambarawila, Deduru oya, Manuwangama, Wattakkaliya and Rajakadaluwa, where many remain displaced and in urgent need of basic necessities. To offer immediate comfort and relief, they distributed mattresses, Bed linen, Pillows and Towels. These items were provided to help families regain some sense of dignity and stability as they navigate the difficult days ahead.
The relief efforts were made possible primarily through the generous donations collected at St. Theresa’s Parish, Colombo, where the Redemptorists have been serving in this Parish for many years. The initiative was spearheaded by the Parish Priest, Fr Morris Gerard Xavier, CSsR. The faithful responded with remarkable compassion, enabling the confreres to extend meaningful support to those who are suffering the most.
As Sri Lanka continues to recover from this tragedy, the confreres remain committed to accompanying the displaced and vulnerable, embodying the mission to serve the most abandoned, especially in times of profound hardship.
The Redemptorist community in Sri Lanka stands firmly with the people during this national crisis, living out our charism of closeness to the poor and most abandoned. We humbly ask the global Redemptorist family to keep Sri Lanka in your prayers as we cling to the Advent hope of resilience, renewal, and God’s faithful presence even in the midst of suffering.
Fr. Chandana Perera, C.Ss.R.
