In addition, the College receives second-hand books from the Overseas Book Service and Feed the Minds has supported initiatives to publish theological books in the Tamil and Sinhalese languages.
Lanka Bible College was established in 1970 and now has more than 600 students at its main residential campus and its graduate study centre, as well as 18 extension schools in outlying areas. The students are developing their Christian faith in a country where the majority of the population is Buddhist.
“Most of them come from very poor rural areas,” says Margot Martin, college librarian. “There is a sense of hopelessness in our country due to the civil war, and people are looking for peace and something to trust in.”
Sri Lanka has experienced an ongoing conflict between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority who are fighting for self-determination. Nearly a million people are currently displaced as a result of both the 2004 tsunami and the conflict, and a 2002 ceasefire was under threat by April 2006 after an upsurge in violence.
The Lanka Bible College deliberately ensures there is a 50:50 ratio of Tamil and Sinhalese students and staff. Students must learn both languages, all classes are offered in translation, and students live and worship together. “In this way, they learn to mix and interact with each other,” comments Martin, “and when they return home, they will continue to break down barriers.”
We encourage writers from around the world to help us develop new texts. Send your review by emailing us here.
36 Causton Street
London
SW1P 4AU
United Kingdom
tel 08451 21 21 02
int’l +44 (0)20 7592 3901
fax +44 (0)20 7592 3939
