Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) - A Catholic priest is the latest victim of civil war in Sri Lanka: Father Nicholaspillai Packiyaranjith, coordinator of Jesuit Refugee Service in the district of Mannar, was killed when a bomb exploded on the road on which he was travelling to assist people in a refugee camp and an orphanage in Vidathalvu. The bomb exploded on Poonery Road in Kalvi’laan district, in the early evening of 26 September killing Fr Nicholas who will be sorely missed by the local Catholic community.
Deeply saddened by the news, Archbishop Oswald Gomis of Colombo, wrote in a message of condolence: “We are all deeply shocked by the tragic death of Fr. Nicholas. We condemn these acts of violence which inflict suffering and grief on innocent civilians. We express sincere sympathy to Bishop Rayappu Joseph of Mannar diocese, the clergy, the faithful and to Fr. Packiyaranjith's family. With gratitude for his work as a priest committed to assisting the people we offer fervent prayers to God the Father of Mercies that he may grant eternal rest to him and spiritual consolation to those who mourn for him”
The Bishop also says that all the more after this tragic event “peace is an urgent imperative”: “How long will this massacre continue? Episodes of this sort should make us aware of the gravity of the situation and the necessity to restore peace immediately”, and he prays that Fr. Nicholas will not have given his life in vain.
In the north of Sri Lanka fighting between the army and separatist Tamil rebels continues with many dead among the civilian population. Since hostilities resumed on a large scale in 2006, at least 5,000 people have been killed. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 27/9/2007 righe 28 parole 281)
