Shri Lanka is a multi-religious community of Buddhists (69%), Hindus (15.4%), Muslims (7.6%) and Christians (7.4%).

Shri Lanka gained her independence from Britain in 1948 and became a Republic in 1972.

Beginnings: The Brother's oldest institution, St. Benedict's College, Colombo, dates back to January 1867. From that date through the 1970s the Brothers expanded and continued to open institutions in Colombo, Grandpass, Moratuawa, Chilaw, Kurunegala, Wattala, and Mannar. Other expansion during this time included institutions in Pettah, Negombo, Bandarawela, Badulla, Puttalam, and Kotahena but circumstances have required that the Brothers withdraw from these institutions.

The Colombo District expanded into the sub-continent of Asia by establishing works in Pakistan in 1959 and by re-establishing the Institute in South India in 1960. Around a dozen Brothers work in the Sub-District of Pakistan. About three dozen Brothers are building up the Institute in the Delegation of India.

A significant milestone in the educational history of the Brothers in San Lanka was the government's takeover of all grade 2 and 3 schools in 1960, leaving alone the grade 1 schools if they wished to eke out a precarious existence without state aid in any form.

Some of the Brothers' schools were taken over immediately; a few attempted to continue as private schools for some time and in despair went over to state tutelage. Today the District has two partially state-aided private schools enjoying prestige in Shri Lanka's educational ambiance and five state schools where at least a few Brothers exert some Lasallian influence. The non-formal educational centres are vigorous.

The vexing problem right now is the lack of Lasallian personnel. The state schools have just one or two Brothers each within the state-approved cadre, while the private schools have four to five Brothers each on the state-approved list. Vocations are hard to come by, despite valiant efforts on the part of some young Brothers in their regular recruiting campaigns. However, the recent inspiration of the Shared Mission holds out the hope of exercising our Lasallian apostolate with renewed vigour despite the diminishing number of Brothers.

Lasallian Community Education Services, Colombo: The Lasallian Community Educational Services (LCES), established in 1980, is unique in its focus on the human and Christian development of children and adults living in the slums. LCES has an extensive curriculum and with help of government and foreign aid does tremendous good both educationally and physically for a large segment of the Colombo North area who otherwise would be street dwellers exposed to all sorts of crime.

Here four of the world's great religions are deeply rooted, yet religious conflict in debate often erupts. The Lasallian Community Education Services (LCES) forges the bonds necessary to transcend this harsh environment. The staff of 80 includes four Directors (two lay, two religious). Persons of different religious faith and ethnic affiliations provide a holistic approach to Love, Care, Education and Service.

LCES since 1980 has worked in the slums and shanties of Colombo North, recognizing two main, factors: 1) that urbanization in the Third World is a dynamic force that needs to be better understood; 2) that by the year 2000 more than half of the poor in developing countries will be in cities and towns, uneducated, illiterate and uncared for.

LCES works with the poor. Education is the focus and commitment, while constantly examining major issues and problem areas and taking remedial steps towards solutions.

Vocation and Formation in Shri Lanka: The Brothers have been in Shri Lanka for more than 135 years. Local Catholic youth in large numbers were attracted to the Brother's vocation from early years of this century. However in the 1970s, and 80s the number of those who joined us began to drop significantly. Those few who joined us did not persevere. During the last years there has been a renewed effort to provide quality formation to the few candidates who come to us, and to develop realistic plans for vocation promotion. The contribution made by the Brothers' Community in the northern town of Mannar needs special mention, because it is a clear example of the community's central role in vocation promotion.

Presently there are 7 aspirants, 6 postulants in Shri Lanka. After a period of follow up, some non-resident aspirants will join the resident aspirancy. Those who fulfil the requirements to enter the Postulancy follow a year's programme to prepare themselves for the Novitiate. The Postulancy Programme in Colombo is open to receive candidates from other neighbouring countries who wish to follow the programme before proceeding to the PARC La Salle Novitiate in Philippines.

At the moment there are 5 Brothers with temporary vows. While attending to their academic studies, they are encouraged to do some apostolic work and to continue their religious studies. The accompaniment of young Brothers is a major concern today, and the District is committed to the formation of the young Brothers, the visible signs of God's fidelity.