Support During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Sri Lanka
In the years 2020–2021, Sri Lanka was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Alongside the health crisis, it caused a deep social and economic impact, affecting the most vulnerable—families living in poverty, children, the elderly, and religious communities.
Many people lost their only source of income overnight. Lockdowns, movement restrictions, and fishing bans deprived thousands of families of the ability to provide for their basic needs. In some areas, people were left without access to food, medicine, or healthcare.
Hospitals were under immense pressure—shortages of beds, oxygen, and equipment made patient care extremely difficult. The pandemic thus affected not only the healthcare system but the entire fabric of society. read more >
Our Response and Form of Support
During this difficult time, we sought to respond as quickly and effectively as possible, both through material aid and spiritual support.
Our assistance was directed primarily to places where it could have a direct and meaningful impact—especially through local monasteries and community networks.
Support for Healthcare
FacilitiesIn addition to helping families, we also focused on supporting hospitals. Through donations, we were able to:
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contribute to medical equipment
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support the purchase of ventilator
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sprovide essential materials (such as bedding for patients)
At a time when the healthcare system was under extreme strain, this support was vital for patient care.
Spiritual and Mental Support
The pandemic brought not only physical suffering but also fear, uncertainty, and isolation. Venerable Bhikkhunī Visuddhi provided regular online support during this period, including:
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guided meditations
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Dhamma talks
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individual spiritual guidance.
This form of support was important not only for the European community but also for those seeking inner stability during a challenging time.
Support for Families and Local Communities
Thanks to the generosity of donors, financial support was provided to help cover the basic needs of families in distress.
Monastic and nuns’ communities, despite their own limited conditions, played a key role in distributing aid. They provided:
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food packages for families
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basic medicines and hygiene supplies
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support to people in their surrounding communities.
As expressed in the letter of gratitude from Venerable Bhikkhunī Vijitananda, this support arrived at the right time and enabled not only survival but also further help to others in need. the letter is available HERE.
Cooperation and Tangible Impact
Through our joint efforts, we were able to:
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support a large number of families in critical situation
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sassist monastic communities, which in turn helped others
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contribute to improving conditions in healthcare facilities
The support often had a ripple effect—helping one community enabled assistance to many more.
Gratitude and Meaning of Support
From the letters and messages we received from Sri Lanka, it is clear how profound the impact of this help was. It was not only material support, but a real alleviation of suffering during a time of crisis.
This experience once again revealed the power of dāna and karuṇā—generosity and compassion in practice.🌿
“Whoever cares for the sick, cares for the Tathāgata.”(Vinaya, Mahāvagga 8.26)
In times of crisis, even a small act can have a great impact. Helping others is not only a response to suffering in the world, but also a path that transforms our own mind.
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