Donate to Buddhist nuns in Sri Lanka in 2023

Dear Friends

The economic crisis continues to grip Sri Lanka. The United Nations warns of a worsening food crisis in Sri Lanka due to 2 consecutive seasons of poor harvest, foreign exchange shortages and reduced purchasing power. Sri Lanka continues to experience soaring inflation (currently above 70%), medicine shortages, power blackouts and fuel rationing after Sri Lanka declared itself bankrupt in July 2022. According to World Food Program, nearly 30 % of the population require humanitarian assistance.

Buddhist nuns rely on "alms", the generosity of their community to survive. Currently the local community has little money to offer food or basic medicine to support these two inspirational Buddhist nuns.

Introducing Venerable Sudharma and Ven Dhammachari, both respected elders who have been Buddhist nuns for over 40 years. They run Rockhill Hermitage, an international retreat centre for the practice and learning of meditation and Buddhist studies. Rockhill is one of the few retreat centres where it is possible for women from all parts of the world to live alone in small cottages in natural surrounds. Their kindness, wisdom and compassion shines like a bright light in these challenging times.

During 2021 each nun need $68.75 (AUD) per week to cover food, bills, medicine and expenses. Now with inflation over 70 %, each nuns now need $116.70 (AUD) per week each to cover these same expenses. Our goal is raise enough money to help support them for the next 12 months.

Sadly during this economic crisis, the local villagers don’t have enough money for their own families needs, so have no money to support the nuns. Few international meditators visit due to government travel warnings, and now the nuns are struggling to survive.

As a regular visitor, meditator and friend to Rockhill Hermitage since 2011, I would like to reach out to the international community to offer what we can to help support these nuns. Any donation, large or small would be greatly appreciated. If you prefer not to donate on this platform, please contact me for alternative ways to donate your money.

We would be grateful if you could forward this to family, friends or others who may be able to donate. Many blessings and gratitude for your generosity in advance.

Warmly,
Rani Hughes