Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) – Over 400 civilians have been killed and 1,000 wounded in the last 10 days. This is what is found in the statistics sent to Agenzia Fides from the “Justice and Peace” Commission of the Diocese of Jaffna, in northern Sri Lanka, where fighting between the regular army and Tamil rebels has worsened. The entire Catholic community in the diocese is making efforts to offer assistance and protection to civilian refugees who continue to flee the areas where the fighting is at its worst.
Bishop Thomas Savundaranayagam of Jaffna has launched an appeal to the parties in conflict to create “a no-fire zone for the protection of civilians,” calling upon international intervention for being about peace in northern and eastern Sri Lanka.
The Diocese of Jaffna recently held a day of prayer and fasting,” which was participated in by Christians of other denominations and even members of other religions, to pray for an end to fighting, and for reconciliation and peace.
The Bishop mentioned how the Catholics there are all doing their best to offer assistance to the refugees who continue to grow in number. “We are trying to remain close to them, offer them material, psychological, and spiritual support,” however the effects of the war are serious, especially on the most vulnerable groups such as women and children, and humanitarian aid is not enough.
In the meantime, the fighting continues, with damages on civil structures as well, as the Red Cross noted. Today, February 2, a hospital in the city of Puthukkudiyiruppu (in the District of Mullaitivu) was damaged in various parts by bombs that left 9 people dead and made the pediatrics ward unfit for use. In the capital city of Colombo, the nation celebrates its Independence Day today, February 2. The public celebrations were marked by rhetoric and euphoria for what the government considers to be the “final victory” over the Tamil rebels. Archbishop Oswald Gomis of Colombo has highlighted that, for the nation, “victory” means “maintaining that all the nation's citizens are equal, free to live in happiness, without distinction of race, religion, caste, or political affiliation.”
The Archbishop said: “It is time to restore, in the North and South of the country, the primacy of a constitutional state. We condemn every form of violence. We should remember the thousands of people who suffer because of war, who are refugees and live in inhumane conditions. It is imperative that they be given decent living conditions as soon as possible. We should keep in mind that the Tamil civilians are citizens of our country and cannot be deprived of their fundamental rights.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 2/2/2009)
