ABM AID partners with the Church of Ceylon, which is what the Anglican church in Sri Lanka is called. The Church is an extra-provincial jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who serves as its Metropolitan. It has two dioceses – the Diocese of Colombo and the Diocese of Kurunagala. A third diocese is being contemplated which would mean that the Church in Ceylon can become its own Anglican Province.

1. Education, Women’s Empowerment and Health with Diocese of Colombo

During the time of Sri Lanka’s war with Tamil separatist groups, the Diocese of Colombo established the Oppuravillam Peace Centre. In 2017, the work of this Centre was revived by the Diocese’s Reconciliation and Peace Desk and continues today.

The Reconciliation and Peace Desk serves poor and vulnerable households in more than ten rural communities throughout the country. It partners with women’s groups and other diocesan organisations and parishes to ensure wide geographic coverage.

ABM AID is proud to fund some of the work of the Reconciliation and Peace Desk, including women’s empowerment, enhancing children’s education at all levels, and awareness raising on social and environmental issues.

In 1981, the Revd Dr Donald Jeyapalan Kanagaratnam, principal of the Theological College of Lanka, established “Oppuravillam,” a house of peace, on land owned by his family near Vavuniya, known during the Sri Lankan Civil War as ‘the border town’. Now, with peace taking root throughout the country, the centre empowers women and children, no matter their religion, and provides the neighbouring community with safe, drinkable water.

Mr Sureshkumar, the centre’s director, says “Jesus has shown us how to treat our neighbours. When He came in His incarnation to this earth, He did certain things, and I want to follow his role model. I want to do for the community all these things that God has shown us, because that brings me a lot of joy.”

“Jesus has shown us how to treat our neighbour. When He came in his incarnation to this earth, He did certain things. And I want to follow his role model.” Mr Sureshkumar, Manager of Oppuravillam Peace Centre. © ABM/Stephen Daughtry.

The Oppuravillam Peace Centre also provides sewing classes for women, enabling them to start small businesses. Their water filtering system provides safe water for the centre and surrounds; taps on the roadside mean anyone in need can take home up to 20 litres of clean water per day.

2. School Refurbishment of Kurunagala Bishop’s College

ABM AID has been supporting the Diocese of Kurunagala to refurbish a school building in the town of Kurunegala that will provide educational opportunities for the children of local labourers and other children who have limited educational opportunities. The school has opened as a branch primary school of an existing school and will gradually expand as resources allow. ABM AID supporters will help with staff salaries, as well as the purchase of some furniture and furnishings, and contribute to the upgrading of the interior of the building.

Kurunagala Bishop’s College has now completed its first full year of development, and the journey has been both inspiring and deeply encouraging for everyone involved.

The refurbished school building where classes have started, providing education closer to home for poorer families. © Diocese of Kurunagala.

The project first took shape in December 2024, when the proposal and budget were finalised, and funding was approved by ABM AID. By March 2025, all legal registrations were in place, giving the school its formal standing and allowing the team to move confidently into setting up governance structures and financial systems.

Steady progress continued throughout 2025. Renovations began in March, bringing much-needed structural repairs, fresh paint, cleaner classrooms, improved fencing, and a more welcoming play area. Curriculum development also moved forward during this period, with a dedicated team preparing teaching materials based on the national curriculum and a blended language approach.

By August 2025, the classrooms and administrative areas were fully established, and essential utilities were in place. Recruitment and community outreach soon followed, leading to the appointment of four teachers and the enrolment of around ten children in the Play School. Staff also completed training sessions focused on curriculum delivery and safeguarding, helping to create a safe and well-prepared learning environment.

Official opening of Kurunagala Bishop’s College by the Rt Rev’d Nishntha, Principal Mr Anjana and the Rev’d Sanath © Diocese of Kurunagala.

A significant step along the way was reached on 8 October 2025, when the school held its official blessing and formal opening. The following month, the Pre Grade class commenced with ten students and a dedicated teaching team. An internal evaluation in December helped fine-tune routines, teaching approaches, and administrative processes as preparations began for Grade 1 admissions.

Kurunagala Bishop’s College academic and administrative staff © Diocese of Kurunagala.

A memorable moment came on 7 January this year, when the school officially opened its doors to 80 students and 10 teachers. Kurunagala Bishop’s College now offers classes from Play Group through to Grade 7, marking a remarkable beginning for a brand new educational institution.

Today, the school stands as a fully functioning, vibrant learning community, supported by strong community involvement, dedicated staff, and a solid foundation for continued growth. The Diocese of Kurunagala looks forward to building on this momentum and supporting the school’s long-term development in the years ahead.

The Indian Ocean island nation of Sri Lanka has a population of 23 million people of diverse religious, linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The country experienced a devastating civil war from 1983 to 2009. Then a crippling economic crisis engulfed the country between 2019 and 2023, from which it has just begun to emerge. Food insecurity remains high, and poverty levels have doubled in recent years to 23% of the population.

COVID‑19 and the 2021 military coup have deepened hardship, triggering widespread displacement and increasing conflict. On top of these challenges, the country remains highly vulnerable to cyclones and flooding, placing even more pressure on people already struggling to survive.

Good and loving God, we give thanks for the collaborative work of ABM AID and the Dioceses of Colombo and Kurunagala supporting reconciliation, education, and hope in Sri Lanka. Bless the Oppuravillam Peace Centre and its ministries among vulnerable households, women’s groups, and rural communities. Strengthen all who nurture children through learning, computer classes, scholarships, and safe spaces. Bless also the growing mission of Bishop’s College as its refurbished buildings open new opportunities for children with limited access to schooling. May these efforts sow dignity, nourishment, and lasting peace, shaping futures with Christian values and compassionate community care. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Redeemer and Saviour.

Amen.