Annual General meeting – 2026
Dear Chairperson, Vice Chairpersons, Heads of Denominations, Members of the Executive Committee, Representatives of Member Churches and Ecumenical Organizations, my dear staff in Christ,
It is with profound gratitude to God that I present this report as we gather for the Annual General Meeting of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka. We come together not merely to review another year of activities but to celebrate God’s faithfulness and reaffirm our common calling to participate in God’s mission in our beloved nation.
The words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28–29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Here Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” The Greek word translated as “yoke” is sugos, a word that also conveys the meaning of balance. A yoke joins two together and distributes the burden equally so that the load can be carried with strength, harmony, and purpose.
This image beautifully reflects the ministry of Jesus. Throughout His earthly life, Christ consistently restored balance wherever society had created imbalance. He stood with the poor while challenging the complacency of the rich. He welcomed those who had been excluded because of caste, ethnicity, gender, disability, illness, occupation, or social status. He confronted systems of oppression and proclaimed the Kingdom of God as a community where justice, compassion, dignity, and reconciliation prevail.
Sri Lanka today continues to experience many painful imbalances. Economic inequality continues to widen. Many families still struggle under the burden of poverty and unemployment. Communities affected by war continue to search for truth, justice, and healing. Ethnic and religious mistrust persists in many places. Environmental degradation threatens the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, while social and political polarization continues to weaken the common good.
In such a context, Christ’s invitation to take His sugos becomes an invitation to the Church itself. We are called to become people who restore balance where injustice prevails, who build bridges where divisions exist, and who become instruments of God’s peace where communities remain wounded. The mission of the Church is therefore not confined to worship alone but extends into every sphere of public life, participating faithfully in the Missio Dei—God’s mission of reconciliation, justice, healing, and transformation.
This has always been the vocation of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka. Throughout its long history, the NCCSL has sought to be an ecumenical movement that bears witness to Christ by serving the Church and the nation together. The past year has once again tested our faith, resilience, and commitment.
The year 2025–2026 has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging periods in the recent history of the NCCSL. Financial constraints, institutional restructuring, increasing demands upon our ministry, and the many challenges facing our nation required difficult decisions and renewed commitment. Yet, throughout these challenges, God’s mercy never failed us. God’s wisdom guided us, and His providence sustained us. We therefore gather today not with a spirit of discouragement but with thanksgiving, recognising that it is God who has carried this institution through another challenging year.
One of the most significant developments during the year was the restructuring process undertaken under the guidance of the Executive Committee. I wish to place on record my sincere appreciation to every member of the Executive Committee for the courage, patience, wisdom, and prayerful discernment shown throughout this process. Difficult decisions were made not merely for institutional survival but to strengthen the Council’s capacity to participate more effectively in God’s mission.
Today, the NCCSL functions through three integrated core divisions:
- Education and Communication
- Development
- State & Ecumanical Relations
The Commission for Justice and Peace continues to function directly under the Secretariat, ensuring that our
prophetic witness remains central to our ministry. Through this restructuring, our dedicated staff have
embraced multiple responsibilities with remarkable commitment, enabling the Council to continue serving
efficiently despite limited resources.
Another encouraging milestone has been our continued journey towards institutional self-sufficiency. With
the generous support of our partners and donors, two additional guest rooms were completed at the NCCSL
premises. These facilities have already begun generating income to strengthen the financial sustainability of
the Council. While much remains to be accomplished, this marks an important step toward building a more
resilient institution for future generations.
Our Regional Ecumenical Councils have also shown encouraging signs of renewal. Several regions have
become active once again, strengthening ecumenical fellowship and local witness. Particularly noteworthy
has been the ministry of our Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) teams operating across thirteen regions of the
country. These committed teams became the backbone of our humanitarian response during the
devastating Ditwah disaster. Working closely with churches and local communities, they delivered
emergency relief with dedication and compassion. Beyond emergency response, post-Ditwah livelihood
support programmes have now begun in several regions, helping affected families rebuild their lives with
dignity and hope.
The Commission for Justice and Peace has continued its prophetic ministry by engaging issues that challenge
the conscience of our nation. During the year, the Commission issued important public statements
concerning the Chemmani mass grave investigations and the tragic Negombo Prison riots. These statements
reflected our unwavering commitment to truth, justice, accountability, human dignity, and national
reconciliation.
One particularly significant moment of our ecumenical witness was the solidarity visit undertaken by the
Heads of Member Churches to the North. The visit to the Chemmani mass grave site and the dialogue with
the Catholic Bishop of Jaffna became a profound expression of Christian solidarity with grieving
communities. This pilgrimage strengthened relationships across ecclesial traditions and paved the way for
the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka and the Catholic Church to issue a joint statement on the
Chemmani mass grave and its victims. Together we affirmed our common Christian responsibility to stand
alongside victims and their families while calling for truth, justice, healing, and reconciliation.
During the year, we also renewed our commitment to observing NCCSL Sunday throughout the island on the
fourth Sunday of July each year. This annual observance is intended to strengthen awareness of the ministry
and witness of the NCCSL while deepening the sense of ownership among our member churches and
ecumenical organizations. Each year, the staff of the NCCSL will travel together to a selected region of the
country, joining local congregations in worship while sharing the vision and ministry of the Council.
This year, NCCSL Sunday was joyfully celebrated at the Koddaimunai Methodist Church. Representatives of
member churches, ecumenical organizations, clergy, and lay leaders gathered together in worship,
fellowship, and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness throughout the ministry of the NCCSL. It was a powerful
reminder that Christian unity is not merely an idea but a lived experience.
The National Christian Council does not belong to its Secretariat or its staff alone. It belongs to its member
churches and ecumenical organizations. They are the owners and custodians of this historic ecumenical
movement. Therefore, I humbly appeal to the Heads of Denominations and leaders of our member
organizations to continue giving greater attention to strengthening, promoting, and participating in the life
and ministry of the NCCSL. The challenges before our nation require a united, visible, and courageous
ecumenical witness. Together we can continue to strengthen this Council as an effective instrument of God’s
mission in Sri Lanka.
As I conclude, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who have faithfully journeyed with the NCCSL
during this challenging year.
Our deepest appreciation goes to our Chairperson, whose leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment
throughout his two-year tenure have left an unforgettable legacy. His guidance during one of the most
difficult periods in the recent history of the NCCSL has strengthened this institution immeasurably.
I also extend my sincere thanks to our Vice Chairpersons, whose faithful support, encouragement, and wise
counsel have enriched the work of the Executive Committee.
My special appreciation goes to our Treasurer, whose professional expertise, financial stewardship, and
exceptional commitment have been instrumental in bringing greater order, accountability, and stability to
the financial life of the NCCSL. Her dedication has been a tremendous blessing to the Council.
I express my sincere gratitude to all our donors and ecumenical partners. During a period of financial
uncertainty, your unwavering solidarity, generosity, confidence, and continued partnership enabled the
NCCSL to continue its ministry and remain faithful to God’s mission. Your support has given us hope during
difficult times.
I also wish to express my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Christine Peter and every member of our staff. Your
remarkable commitment, sacrifices, flexibility, and willingness to carry multiple responsibilities have enabled
the Council to continue its ministry with excellence despite our limited resources. Today, we may be a much
smaller family than before, but we have become a stronger, more resilient, and more committed family.
Together we continue to move forward with courage, hope, and faith.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ralston, Lalinda, Yogeshwary, Chathura, Dinesh, Trudy, and
Vinosha for their faithful and dedicated service to our institution. Their commitment and valuable
contributions have been deeply appreciated. As they embark on new career paths, we pray that God will
richly bless them, guide them, and grant them every success in their future endeavors.
As we continue to take upon ourselves the sugos—the balanced yoke of Christ—may we learn from Him to
restore balance where there is injustice, hope where there is despair, reconciliation where there is division,
and dignity where there is exclusion. May our churches become living signs of God’s Kingdom, faithfully
participating in the Missio Dei for the transformation of Sri Lanka.
May the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka continue to be a prophetic, compassionate, and united
ecumenical witness, serving both Church and nation with humility, courage, and hope.
Rev. Sujithar Sivanayagam
General Secretary
National Christian Council of Sri Lanka
15, August 2026