General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, international leaders of The Salvation Army, brought renewed hope and inspiration during their visit to the Sri Lanka Territory from 9 to 15 January 2025.
Their time in Sri Lanka included meetings with the prime minister, government officials, diplomats and church leaders, as well as commissioning, officers councils, rallies, public meetings, visits to Salvation Army centres and tsunami commemorations.
More than 1,500 Salvationists attended the public meeting in Colombo. General Lyndon Buckingham’s message sparked a spiritual awakening and his challenge resonated deeply: ‘Let your faith proclaim the love of God to others.’ The General’s call to ‘wake up and experience Jesus’ inspired a renewed focus on authentic Christian living, with immediate and profound effects: more than 100 people sought spiritual renewal at the mercy seat, and 26 junior soldiers and 46 soldiers were enrolled.
Putting Jesus first
At the youth rally, the General emphasised divine priorities: ‘Put Jesus first above all else to experience true fullness of life.’ The rally inspired 450 young people to reflect Jesus in their personal lives and within their corps (churches) and communities.
Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries) inspired more than 500 women with her personal testimony and challenge at the women’s rally. She encouraged the women to lead a secure life through Jesus and to develop a personal relationship with him.
At the commissioning of the seven cadets of the Champions of the Mission Session, General Lyndon Buckingham charged the cadets to ‘be imitators of Jesus’. This event inspired many young people to consider a calling to officership, resulting in seven new commitments.
The General’s question, ‘What can I do for the Lord?’, prompted deep reflection at officers councils. Commissioner Buckingham provided practical spiritual guidance on the topic ‘Guard Your Heart’. Notable highlights included the presentation of 40-year long-service awards to Territorial Commander Colonel Nihal Hettiarachchi and Major Swarnalatha Wijesiri (Kudagama Corps).
At the executive officers council, the alignment of the territorial strategic plan ‘Focus on Transformation’ and The Salvation Army’s Global Strategic Framework, Compass, provided clear direction for future ministry. The General encouraged advancing the mission with a focus on extending God’s Kingdom, prioritising people, mission and legacy.
The unveiling of a commemorative plaque at Hikkaduwa, where the tsunami struck 20 years ago, highlighted The Salvation Army’s long-term commitment to community transformation. This visit confirmed the territory’s dedication to sustainable development through housing initiatives, economic empowerment programmes, health-care services and community development.
The leaders’ engagement with residents at Rajagiriya Elders’ Home and Child Development Centre reaffirmed the territory’s holistic ministry approach. These visits encouraged staff and residents, and demonstrated Christian care and fellowship.
Fostering collaboration and strengthening partnerships
A gathering of government officials, diplomats, foreign high commissioners and prominent local leaders showcased The Salvation Army’s strong community presence. The international leaders presented The Salvation Army’s global mission impact, while Colonel Nihal Hettiarachchi shared the territory’s initiatives. This event strengthened important partnerships to enhance the territory’s ability to serve communities effectively.
A meeting with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya elevated The Salvation Army’s profile in Sri Lanka. General Buckingham’s presentation on the Army’s holistic approach to community empowerment within the Compass framework resonated strongly with national priorities. The prime minister’s advice to emphasise youth development will be integrated into the territorial focus, creating new possibilities for youth-oriented initiatives.
General Buckingham’s commendation of Sri Lanka’s ecumenical spirit fostered stronger inter-church relationships at the church leaders’ meeting. It established new avenues for collaboration in mission and ministry, strengthening God’s Kingdom.