Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sri lanka PMS
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) - "The country is recovering from the disaster of Cyclone Ditwah, which struck us in December 2025. I see that people are gradually getting back on their feet. The government continues to support the population to improve the precarious situation. Many people who were severely affected by the cyclone are still in refugee camps. They are struggling with everyday problems, especially unemployment," Father Basil Rohan Fernando, a priest from Colombo and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Sri Lanka, told Fides.
“The government and the people are working together to put the country on the path of development and overcome the crisis in order to build a better future. People are struggling with financial difficulties every day, but I hear no complaints: instead, there is a determination to roll up our sleeves for social and economic reconstruction, trust, and a shared goal,” reports the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. Regarding the Catholic community, Father Fernando observes: “We have begun Lent in all dioceses, with an emphasis on fasting, as the Pope called for in his message, and on works of charity. It is a spiritually intense time: there are pilgrimages, the celebration of the Stations of the Cross, and retreats in the various communities. We are experiencing a time of prayer, silence, and sacrifice, with the Gospel always at the center. In this spirit of conversion and penance, the faithful are facing the challenges of the present. A small sacrifice in everyday life gives us the opportunity to support those who are truly in need.”
Father Fernando also mentions the recent pilgrimage to the National Basilica of Tewatta, in the Archdiocese of Colombo: “Our Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, on the occasion of the Feast of Our Lady of Lanka, the nation’s patron saint, reminded us of the economic and social hardships faced by many citizens and entrusted our presence to Mary, our Mother.” The National People’s Power (NPP) government, elected in September 2024 under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is pursuing a program focused on systemic reforms, combating corruption, and economic recovery. Key measures include the construction of housing for low-income families, investments in irrigation infrastructure, agricultural subsidies, wage increases, and the creation of 75,000 new public sector jobs. Unlike the old political elites, the current government enjoys a high level of public trust and has confirmed the austerity measures entailed by the loan program received from the International Monetary Fund following the 2022 economic crisis. The devastating Cyclone Ditwah slowed the reconstruction process and caused casualties and damage throughout the country. Nearly 10% of Sri Lanka's population was affected, over 600 people died, and more than 91,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 3/3/2026)
