Alliance News : July - September 2015

A Daughter, a Mother an Entrepreneur P. 4

JUL- SEP 2015 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE OF SRI LANKA This Publication Is for Private Circulation Only

What’s up @ the NCEASL Welcome to our third quarterly issue of 2015.

Firstly, we are extremely proud to announce that our General Secretary, Godfrey Yogarajah, received the second highest accolade bestowed on a citizen by the Nation! Also this issue features the story of a female entrepreneur from the North who rebuilt her life from the ashes of a 3 decade armed conflict. The story on Voices of Strong Women acknowledges the crucial role of war-affected women to the peace-building process.

The infographic on Page 2 shows the educational trips of Change Makers Clubs and our cover stories bring out, among our other concerns, our committment to Responsible Reporting and Child Security. Our News in Brief on Page 6 capture a summary of some of the NCEASL programmes for the period July to September.

We hope you enjoy catching up with our progress for this quarter.

Godfrey Yogarajah, the General Secretary of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) and the Executive Director of the Religious Liberty Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance, was conferred the title of ‘Deshamanya’, Sri Lanka’s second highest national honour, for his contribution to social services on 7th August 2015.

The NCEASL Supports Responsible Reporting on Religion The role of the media in fanning conflict and religious intolerance, through irresponsible reporting has come under much discussion. Hate speech and its wide dissemination, particularly considering the fast paced transmission of content on Social Media has also grown to be a topic of concern. The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) initiated a dialogue with media with the aim of addressing this concern. Cont’d P. 2

The Media and Communications Unit

Evangel Care Scholarship Beneficiaries

Children Find Their Light at Kids Camp The Kids Camp which is organised annually by the Religious Liberty Commission, was held from 19 to 21 August 2015. A total of 104 children from Christian homes who live through extreme poverty and persecution for their faith, attended the camp. All sessions were conducted on the camp’s theme ‘Light of the World’. Cont’d P. 2

Community of Suhadapura Saved from a Predator The community of Suhadapura lives in a slum in suburban Ratmalana, on the bank of the Weressa River. Apart from the conditions of extreme poverty that this community lives with, the river too adds to their misery.

In the rainy season, the river overflows into the streets and homes of the community, spreading misery and sickness. Cont’d P. 7 Page 1 Alliance News Jul-Sep 2015

Children Find Their Light...Cont’d P.1 The children learnt that they must be lamps that carry the Lord’s light.

The session facilitators guided the children to understand how they can continue to spread their light even though they live amidst difficult circumstances. With the help of bible verses, such as “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12), the little campers came to understand that they do not have to be afraid to face life’s problems. The children paid close attention to their lessons. They also participated eagerly in the handcraft activities, fun challenges and group discussions which were part of the sessions. They were excited to take part in the games which included playing catch with water balloons, obstacle races, decorating their teams’ flags and other creative activities. It was with great enthusiasm that the children took part in the talent show. The show featured the young and talented singers, dancers and actors who performed for the applause and admiration of the audience.

Every year the children look forward to the time spent at Kids Camp with friends who understand what they experience. They enjoy the freedom to learn, play and practice their faith without fearing harassment or discrimination. The children also enjoy the attention and care they receive from the staff of the NCEASL. The safe atmosphere at camp also helps the children seek the counsel of the staff for the problems they are faced with. “I had a good time and spent time with the Lord” said one camper as she thanked the organisers. “God was present with us throughout this camp.”

Visit www.nceasl.org for more on Kids Camp.

Kids enjoying games at Kids Camp

The NCEASL Supports...Cont’d P.1

Question time following the panel discussion at the Media Consultation held in July

Page 2 Alliance News Jul-Sep 2015

Taking advantage of the changes in Sri Lanka’s political landscape that have seemingly paved the way for a more free and open media, the NCEASL convened two consultations for journalists and media personnel over the months of July and September. The consultation in July was held with journalists working with print and electronic media.

The consultation that followed in September saw the participation of journalists and digital activists who have knowledge of or experience with digital and alternative media.

The participants were consulted on best practices for covering these topics with greater sensitivity and responsibility. They were also asked to reflect on how existing norms and standards could be improved. The consultation held in September, in particular, discussed the extent of harmful content online and explored ways in which the spread of such content can be controlled or countered.

Acknowledging that media personnel and journalists bring into media their own perceptions, prejudices and biases, the participants discussed the importance of individual self-evaluation, industry level media self-regulation and reforms for self regulation from within the media community.

It was proposed that the NCEASL meets together with a range of stakeholders on a series of recommendations that highlighted the importance of exercising discretion when reproducing hate content and avoiding vague and general use of names and terminology when referring to religious groups. The recommendations also placed emphasis on journalistic practices that support intercultural understanding and encourage greater collaboration and cooperation between media and civil society organisations. The guidelines introduced also emphasised the importance of cyber literacy, cyber civility and the responsible use of the web. It is anticipated that if these recommendations are publicly endorsed by the owners, managers and senior media professionals at media institutions, it will ensure greater awareness of these issues and recommendations.

Visit www.nceasl.org for the full recommendations (in all three languages) and more on the consultations.

Page 3 Alliance News Jul-Sep 2015

FEATURE STORY

I

t was from a very young age that Gowri grew used to the black powder that covered everything. She didn’t even mind it on her hands and clothes because it did smell nice. She would sit on the floor near Appa (Father) as he mixed the powder with perfume into a paste and wrapped it around an ekel (stick from palm leaves). She also loved when Appa let her pack the sweet smelling camphor tablets.

Her hands were not as nimble as Appa’s but she was learning his trade so that someday she would be as good as him. As she grew older, Gowri would work beside her father.

Thevan was proud that his daughter was following in his footsteps and he taught her everything he knew. As the years passed by, it was Thevan’s hands that began to stumble. Gowri would sit by his side; her fingers moving at a masterful pace. Now at 42 years, Gowri continues her Appa’s trade, remembering her father with great fondness.

THE JOURNEY OF GOWRI: a Daughter, a Mother, an Entrepreneur

Gowri’s trade came to a complete standstill when the ethnic war came to the doorstep of her home in Kilinochchi. She lost her property and her young son lost the use of his arm to a fever he developed while in displacement. Gowri, her four children, her husband and her mother then moved to the rural village of Karunkali in Karainagar, Jaffna. Her husband soon found employment as a farmer so that he can support his family. As the income he brought in was insufficient to sustain their needs, Gowri sat down to manufacture joss sticks and camphor once more. However, as she had lost the equipment she needed to make a sufficient quantity, Gowri was not earning as much as she used to. She knew she could improve her trade if she only could buy a new machine and a mould that would help her produce joss sticks and camphor in greater bulk. However, the money she had in hand was insufficient for that great an investment.

In desperation she turned to the Industrial Development Board (IDB) in Jaffna for help to improve her cottage-based trade. It was the officers there who approached the Alliance Development Trust (ADT) on Gowri’s behalf. As the Business Development Unit (BDU) of the ADT had been working with the IDB to provide training, microfinance loans and marketing opportunities for war-affected and underprivileged women, the BDU

Page 4 Alliance News Jul-Sep 2015

immediately approved an interest-free loan of SLR 20,000 for Gowri. This was the financial assistance she needed to purchase the equipment that will help her develop her trade.

With the help of her new machine, Gowri produces 2,500 joss sticks a day. Even though her years of experience make the process seem effortless, joss sticks are not easy to produce. First she must burn wood for the blackened charcoal powder. Then she adds the perfume that gives the incense its fragrance. Gowri feeds bits of the mixture to the machine together with ekel sticks and the machine coats the stick with the sweet-smelling paste.

Thereafter Gowri sorts her joss sticks into lots so that she can packet them in the colourful boxes bearing the name of her brand – Ambal Oothupaththi (Ambal Joss Sticks). The production of camphor is not machine assisted. However Gowri is nimble as she works on the mould and patiently produces one camphor tablet at a time. Thanks to her expertise, Gowri produces a considerable quantity of camphor tablets in a day. She sorts these tablets into little lots which she neatly wraps into a paper emblazoned with the name Velmaal Katpooram (Velmaal Camphor).

Her earnings pay for the repayment of the loan she received from the ADT, all the raw material she needs, her household expenses and for the employment of two permanent workers and two temporary workers. Apart from the assistance she receives from her older children, Gowri now recruits unemployed girls and women in the neighbourhood. When Gowri takes her products to the market on her motorcycle, these employees continue with the production and packaging at Gowri’s home. “They responsibly carry out their work” says Gowri with a confident smile. “I haven’t taught them how to add in the perfume but they know everything else.” Gowri’s 21 year old daughter supervises the women while her mother is away

“My son has a desire to expand this business.

He wants to buy a three wheeler that will help with the delivery and also employ more people.

He wants to continue this trade even if he finds employment elsewhere.”

Gowri is now much more than a manufacturer. She is a proud entrepreneur of a successful trade. Her partnership with the ADT and the IDB has benefitted her in many ways.

With their guidance she now manufactures candles and curry powder too. These new products she markets in memory of her Appa; the tags introduce the products as New Thevan Curry Powder and Thevan Candles.

Meanwhile, Gowri’s joss stick production is flourishing. She sells a packet (12 boxes) of joss sticks for a profit of SLR 25. With the mentoring she received, Gowri has learnt to keep track of her expenses and earnings. Gowri now knows that she can maximise her profits if she keeps her cost of production low and sells the products to the highest bidder. Gowri has identified a shop in Colombo which sells the needed raw material at a lower cost. “I avoid providing (the products) to small shops because they charge 5 Rupees extra” she says, explaining how small grocery stores operate. She expresses that it is difficult to collect the money for the sold products as she is forced to hassle with the owners to collect her monies on time. “I therefore sell them at a main market in Jaffna and in shops in Kilinochchi.”

Gowri displays abundance of her determined work ethic

and her oldest son is quite interested in continuing the trade his mother learnt from his grandfather. “My son has a desire to expand this business” expresses the proud mother. “He wants to buy a three wheeler that will help with the delivery and also employ more people. He wants to continue this trade even if he finds employment elsewhere.” Gowri wipes her soot-covered hands on her dress as she shares her hopes for the future. “I know how to make Nellie Crush too!” she smiles.

For more photographs on Gowri’s enterprise visit www.flickr.com/photo.adt_srilanka

Page 5 Alliance News Jul-Sep 2015

NEWS IN BRIEF More Lawyers to Appear for Freedom of Religion Seventeen lawyers of various religious persuasions from the North Central and Southern regions of Sri Lanka were keen to join a group that intervened on cases regarding Freedom of Religion after a Lawyers Consultation on the Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) at Hotel Miridiya, Anuradhapura by the Religious Liberty Commission (RLC) of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) on 1 July, 2015. The lawyers’ consultation for FoRB is an initiative by the NCEASL to provide legal assistance to victims of religious persecution and recourse against the 98% increase of religious persecution in the preceeding years. The discourse and panel discussion were moderated by prominent Human Rights lawyers - Mr. J.C. Weliamuna and Mr. Lakshan Dias.

Topics discussed were the administrative regulations, limitations and scopes of laws and articles pertaining to FoRB in the Sri Lanka Constitution.

Persecuted Pastors Enjoy a Time of Rest and Healing “I was struck on my back and on the head and I blacked out. When I regained consciousness they were kicking my head, spine and stomach.

Even though I was badly injured I did not retaliate. The mob destroyed everything in the church. It was a mass of broken glass. They said that they will not allow us to continue services. They threatened to burn our church.” This was the harrowing experience Pastor *Mohan shared with the NCEASL and 74 other participants at the Shalom Camp held from 23 – 25 July at Pamunugama. Churches that bear the brunt of persecution and vicious attacks such as these are naturally discouraged and disheartened. In a bid to provide pastors and their church members with special encouragement, the Shalom Camp sessions are modelled to strengthen the persecuted believers to face the challenges, overcome obstacles and not give up hope.

This is done through biblical examples, meditation and prayer. The camp also provided a time of fellowship, rest and relaxation. *Name has been changed to protect the identity of the individual

Camp for Persecuted Women Sets Precedent The Religious Liberty Commission, held a camp for persecuted women that included 55 pastor’s wives and daughters who had faced challenges from those hostile to Christianity. This camp that was held for the very first time proved to be very successful.

The residential camp was conducted at the Sanctuary House, Pamunugama for 4 days from 15 – 18 September 2015 and consisted of several in-depth programmes conducted by specialists in gender, occupational therapy, Christian counselling and spiritual upliftment, which were designed to help the participants forgive, heal and be strengthened to face new challenges. The

participants started each day with praise, worship and prayer. The sessions that were conducted demonstrated how women in other parts of the world faced persecution with God’s grace, while seeking remedies within the legal framework of their countries.

Participants were also advised of their rights under the Sri Lanka Constitution that provided safeguards for Religious Freedom under Articles 10 and 14. An encouraging video on how Michael Lapsley, a South African Anglican Priest and Social Justice Activist who faced persecution for his opposition to the apartheid system, were shown to participants. Several participants shared their testimonies and all participated in group activities that helped them share their painful experiences and pray for each other as well as engage in exercises that helped in the healing of memories. The camp was conducted with Tamil and Sinhala interpretation for the benefit of the participants who were comfortable in the local languages.

Special Canadian guests conducted sessions and uplifted participants with individual counselling and prayer.

Revival and Spiritual Growth Brings Unity The faith of many Northern Christians and church leaders were tested during the armed conflict. This even caused conflicts among churches and its leaders, creating a dire need for unity in the body of Christ. In response to this a special 2 day seminar titled Unite for a Better Tomorrow was held in Kilinochchi on 16 and 17 July 2015 for 537 church leaders and pastors from Jaffna, Mannar, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya. The seminar which was facilitated by the Gospel Echoing Missionary Society (GEMS), India, enabled the participants to understand the importance of unity in transforming the nation, which is also the NCEASL’s vision. A programme was also held for 300 pastors from the Vavuniya Pastors’ Fellowship on 19th July 2015. The pastors thanked the NCEASL and its efforts as it was the first such programme to bring revival and spiritual growth to the Northern districts after the war ended.

Outdoor Camping for Families Now at SH The Sanctuary House (SH) launched a pilot programme in basic camping on the banks of the Muthurajawela wetlands on 8 August 2015 for first time campers and families. This programme was conducted in collaboration with The Great Outdoors - a camping equipment and service provider which conducts successful camping excursions. It introduces the SH as a base camp where beginners will acquire a taste for camping as well as a launch pad for seasoned campers to explore other parts of Sri Lanka.The SH’s vision is to provide beginners of all ages with a safe and exciting expedition into camping. The experience includes orientation in living in tents, lighting an outdoor fire and learning to cook on an open fire. Kayaking, fishing, archery, air-rifle shooting and a boat trip to Muthurajawela are some of the other experiences on offer. Experienced staff from The Great Outdoor will be a part of this initiative as well.

Page 6 Alliance News July-Sep 2015

Community of Suhadapura Saved...Cont’d from P.1 It was 3 years ago that the community realised the extent of the danger that the river posed to their existence. The river was nurturing crocodiles. Recently, certain members of the community alerted the neighbourhood that the baby crocodiles have grown almost 5 feet long. The elders added that this endangered the children especially as they met and played on the bank of the river. In fear for their lives, the community ran in search of help from the government. The local authorities assisted in constructing a fence to protect the community from impending danger. The community was happy. Now they were surely safe at their one meeting place – the village temple, where the children hold their Change Makers (an initiative of the Alliance Development Trust) club meetings and the community gathers for religious observances.

However this fence protected them from one side only. The community soon realised that their happiness was short lived.

Not long after, the river claimed the life of a boy who fell into its

murky waters in a fit of epilepsy. At his funeral the community vowed that this would be the last life that was needlessly turned over to the river. They constructed a fence with all the resources they could muster. However, since the land was not levelled, there were gaps under the fence from which the crocodiles could enter the village. The community still feared the worst.

The development committee of Suhadapura approached the Alliance Development Trust (ADT) with their problem. They expressed their fears to the ADT, explaining that they did not have any more resources to spend on sealing these gaps. The ADT funded this project which was initiated by the community, helping them seal the gaps under the fence securely with cement. On seeing the community’s effort to safeguard their village, the local government authorities pledged their support to fence out the dangers of the Weressa River.

“

Six years after the end of the conflict the physical devastation is evident but the psychological and social consequences is harder to assess and will not be resolved overnight.”

Ms. Shelley Whiting - High Commissioner for Canada

A

The Voices of Strong Women

Crucial to Peace Building and Reconciliation

dialogue highlighting the untold stories of war-affected women in Sri Lanka was held on 29 July 2015 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The Voices of Strong Women (VoSW) was a celebration of the resilience and strength of war-affected women from both sides of the conflict.

This event was hosted by the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) in collaboration with the Ranaviru Seva Authority (RSA) with the intention of creating awareness on the plight of over 90,000 female-headed households who still face untold sufferings brought on by 30 years of armed conflict. Ms. Shelley Whiting, the High Commissioner of Canada for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, honoured the event with her presence as the Chief Guest.“Six years after the end of the conflict, the physical devastation

is evident but the psychological and social consequences is harder to assess and will not be resolved overnight” said Ms. Whiting.

Through the VoSW, the NCEASL and the RSA presented women affected by war from female-headed households not as victims but as strong voices and a presence in the healing of scars among all communities irrespective of castes, creeds or ethnicities. Several women who were affected by the war, including the wives of soldiers from the North Central Province and those who were widowed by war in Mullaitivu, were present as distinguished invitees who shared their stories with those present.

Read more on VoSW on www.nceasl.org

Page 7 Alliance News Jul-Sep 2015

PROJECTS AT A GLANCE MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM

RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT

Standing Strong Through the Storm (SSTS) – Training of Trainers Benefitting 9 Participants Islandwide

Community Initiated Project Benefitting 664 Persons in Suhadapura

Standing Strong Through the Storm (SSTS) Benefitting 38 Participants From Polonnaruwa

Training on Resource Mapping Benefitting 18 Persons in Ulavanoor

Emerging Leaders Seminar for Pastors Benefitting 25 Participants from Kilinochchi

Entrepreneurship Training for 18 Persons in Ulavanoor

Northern Pastors Conference Benefitting 537 Participants from Kilinochchi

Distribution of a Microfinance Loan in Suhadapura

Prayer Day Benefitting 165 Participants from Kalmunai / Kandy / Colombo

Educational Trips for Children Benefitting a Total of 412 Children of Varani Iyattalai, Ulavanoor, Theravil, Madukulam, Devanampiyatissapura, Kilikunjumalai, Suhadapura and Kahawathugoda

Church Pack Distribution with 261 Beneficiaries from Kurunegala

Child Protection Programmes Benefitting a Total of 70 Persons in Varani Iyattalai, Ulavanoor, Theravil

Voices of Strong Women Conference Benefitting 35 Participants From North and North Central Province

Career Guidance Programme for 31 Youth in Theravil

Fellowship Meeting for Pastors from Thunkorale

Registration of Children’s Club in Ulavanoor and Mullaitivu Benefitting a Total of 476 Children

Construction of Churches for 21 Pastors in Kilinochchi

Training for 22 Staff and Children Club Volunteers in Ulavanoor

Livelihood Support for 9 Beneficiaries from Trincomalee, Jaffna, Matale, Ganemulla, Makola, Wattala and Morawaka

Awareness Programmes for 62 Persons in Ulavanoor and Theravil on the Importance of Education

Publication of Glossary for all Religions by Professor Somaratne

Programme to Improve Child Participation Benefitting 210 Children in Theravil

Emergency Assistance to Disadvantaged Churches in Ingiriya, Padukka and Makandura

Child Initiated Project Benefitting 50 Children in Theravil

Sponsorship in Theological Education for 20 Students Islandwide

Support for Extracurricular Activities Benefitting 45 in Madukulam Construction of 4 Toilets in Mullaitivu

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY COMMISSION 2 Lawyers Consultations on Religious Freedom held for 35 Participants Representing the North Central and Western Provinces

Installation of Storage Filters and Extension of Water Outlets Benefitting 302 Students of a School in Kahawathugoda

Camp for Persecuted Women Held for 55 Participants from All Provinces

Training of Trainers Programme on Leprosy for 278 Pastors in Mannar, Kandy, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Batticaloa, Monaragala and Mattala

Teachers Sponsorship Programme Supported 34 Teachers Islandwide Two Research Reports Released on - (1) 20 Year Trend Analysis of Religious Violence and(2) Judicial Responses to Religious Freedom: a Case Analysis Monitoring and Documentation of 14 Incidents of Violence or Intimidation against Christians Legal Intervention for 5 Persecuted Churches from Kegalle, Neluwa, Batticaloa, Chilaw and Bandaragama Livelihood Assistance for 14 Families from Anuradhapura and Trincomalee 190 Sinhala Bibles Distributed amongst Deserving Churches in the Northern Province and Colombo Evangel Care Scholarship Programme Benefits 220 Islandwide Kids Ed Programme Supports 3 Students in Gampaha and Batticaloa

Legal Aid for 9 Pastors in Colombo, Anuradhapura and Hambanthota

Emergency Financial Assistance for 2 Pastors from Beliaththa & Makola Shalom Camp held for 75 Persecuted Christians from Makola, Kadwawatha, Hanwella, Jeevanadiya and Meegoda Shalom Camp Held for 75 Persecuted Christians from Makola, Kadwawatha, Hanwella, Jeevanadiya and Meegoda

CONTACT THE NCEASL

Email: communications@nceasl.org Telephone: 00945511358

Web:

nceasl.org adtlanka.org facebook.com/ADTSriLanka facebook.com/NCEASL twitter.com/nceasl

Page 8 Alliance News Jul-Sep 2015

Address: P.O. Box 113, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka