Introduction / History

Australia is the home of the largest groups of Sri Lankans away from their own country. The Sinhalese are the largest ethnic group in Sri Lankan. The first Sinhalese people from Sri Lanka came in 1870 to work in Queensland on the sugar cane plantations. After the middle of the 1970s, large numbers arrived including Christians and Buddhists. During the 1970s immigration restrictions were eased and after 1973 and from the early 1980s, Sinhalese and other Sri Lankan migration began again and increased. In the 1980s there were problems between the Sri Lankans in Australia related to domestic troubles in Sri Lanka. There was an ethnic despute between the Sinhalese and Tamils. Many of the Sinhalese arrived in Australia with very little. They live primarily in Melbourne, but others live in any major Australian city.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Sinhalese people in Australia can be common workers, but most have white collar jobs. They are often professionals, clerical workers, technical experts, or managers. They speak Sinhala at home and English in the workplace. They like to travel. The Sinhalese formed their own community organizations in Australia to preserve their traditions and culture. Sinhalese people often have strong friendships with other Buddhists from Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Sinhalese in Australia are Theravada Buddhists. There are Theravada Buddhist temples in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia. Theravada Buddhism is nearer to early Buddhism than other forms of Buddhism.

What Are Their Needs?

The Buddhist Sinhalese diaspora need the chance to find their way to Jesus Christ, who offers life to the full. Australian Christian believers can be Christ’s hands and feet.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to provide for their physical and spiritual needs as a testimony of his power and love.
Pray that the Sinhalese people in Australia will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings.
Pray for workers who are driven by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them.
Pray for a movement to Christ among them in Australia.

Scripture Prayers for the Sinhalese in Australia.