In the year 1505 Portuguese captured coastal areas & in 1765 Dutch chased out Portuguese followed by British in 1796 who ruled the entire island until independence in 1948.
Christianity was introduced to the island by Portuguese Missionaries who built schools,hospitals & Catholic churches.Catholic community was persecuted during the time of Dutch period & Catholicism went underground. Chronicles indicate that Rev. Joseph Vas traveled from India disguised as a beggar visited the faithfuls covering the entire island barefooted & rekindled
Catholicism in the faithfuls.Today we venerate & hold blessed Joseph Vas in deep gratitude for if not for His efforts I may not be able to tell the world Christian Societythe plight of Chrisianity in Sri Lanka & carry His torch to enhance the flock.Rev.Goseph Vas is yet to beatify as Patron of Sri Lanka.
During latter part of 20th Century Christians had a better place in society as well as in number,but now occupies the lowest grid of all religions existing in Sri Lanka.
For the last 3 decades terrorism has ravaged & devastated the country. Christian population declined as many who had some means migrated.This may have a snow-balling effect in the future unless remedial action is not taken immediately.
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