Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) - The new president, after the elections on January 26, will have two priorities: "the reconciliation of society and the economic development of the country." This is what Agenzia Fides was told by Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo, just days before the vote in which approximately 14 million Sri Lankan voters will have to choose their new head of state.
The preparatory period for the elections was marked by several violent incidents that have shaken public opinion and created tension between the two factions that are vying for power. Today, an explosion hit the home of wealthy businessman Tiran Alles, a supporter of the opposition candidate, General Sarath Fonseka, presented by a coalition of parties including the "United National Party" and "Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna. The General, who led the troops of Columbus to victory against rebels of the Liberation Tiger of Tamil Eelam," is taking advantage of the enormous popularity he has acquired by the merits of war.
On the other hand, the incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at the head of the "United People's Freedom Alliance," can boast of having given a political turn to the crisis by deciding not to make pacts with the rebel Tamil minority and give the army the green light to finally defeat the pockets of rebellion which for decades held the entire country in check.
"There are two strong candidates, both very popular. Both can claim the merit of victory in the war. Pre-election tensions and violence are predictable," Archbishop Ranjith tells Fides and indicates that the fundamental objectives for the nation, reconciliation and development, to the new President:"The new government needs to help the country put the painful years of war and division behind them. We must seek unity, peace, and harmony in the proper use of differences. Moreover, the war has slowed the progress and economic development of the country, and we need to work hard in order to recover the lost ground. Reconciliation and development are certainly the most important challenges facing the nation."
The Archbishop of Colombo recalls the mission of religious leaders in Europe in November 2009 (see Fides 5/11/2009), asking the European Union to renew agreements and trade benefits granted to Sri Lanka. The Union, according to the procedure, has granted an extension of eight months, "a time in which the new government will want to prove that it meets the demands of the EU in the field of human rights." "In this phase of reconstruction and recovery - Archbishop Ranjith says - the country needs to be helped and supported by the international community, and not be abandoned."
One of the most sensitive issues is that of Tamil refugees who, upon the government's word, can leave the camps where they have stayed for months. "First of all, we must safeguard their lives, providing complete de-mining of the territories. Often, when they return to their villages, they find nothing but rubble. So, we need a practical help but also support on the psychological level, in order to return to a normal life," says the Archbishop.
At this stage, the Church is working to help understanding between the Sinhalese and the Tamil community, supporting a proposed decentralizing of powers to make the Tamil community feel a living part of the country. Furthermore, the Church is working in the social sphere for the protection of justice and peace, in collaboration with other religious leaders. Finally, a substantial part of Catholic organizations are active in the work of solidarity with those affected by war." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/01/2010)
