21 January 2010
Sri Lanka has slipped from the headlines since the country’s army defeated the Tamil Tigers last year.
In doing so, a conflict that had been raging for more than 25 years came to an end, but not so the suffering of ordinary people.
Eight months on and thousands of Tamils who were forced to flee the fighting are still being held in camps, waiting to be allowed to return home.
Conditions in the camps are poor and have been a long-standing concern of aid agencies.
Another contentious issue is caused by the Sri Lankan government settling Sinhalese people in lands that are traditionally Tamil, a move which Tamils regard as land-grabbing.
All of which is a backdrop to forthcoming presidential elections next Tuesday, 26 January, which have already been marked by violence during campaigning.
• Please pray that the remaining days of the campaign are conducted in peace and that the outcome brings a leader who will stand for justice for all people and act against corruption.
• Pray for the health and emotional well-being of people living in camps and that they can resume their lives in their homelands soon.
• As Tearfund ends its work in Sri Lanka, pray for ex-partners, such as Leads, Habitat for Humanity and World Concern that they can continue to bring spiritual and material hope to people living in poverty.
• Pray that the Sri Lankan government will stop impeding the work of charities. Pray for justice and righteousness to prevail.