Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Fides Service) - “Like the solidarity without frontiers which helped us rebuild schools and homes after the tsunami, today the international community must help us build bridges of dialogue to brings the sides closer. Everyone must do his part to make sure that violence and war do not triumph again in Sri Lanka” said papal Nuncio in Sri Lanka Archbishop Mario Zenari, following an attack by a woman suicide bomber which plunged the nation into mourning .
On April 25 a woman, pretending to be pregnant to hide the explosives around her waist, blew herself up in the army headquarters in Colombo, killing 8 people and wounding 27, including Sri Lanka army chief General Sarath Fonseka. The army blamed the Tamil Tigers separatists but no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The nation is under shock, local sources say the attack hits hard at the peace process. On 24 and 25 April there were to be talks between the government and LTTE were to resume in Geneva, but because of obstacles and pre-conditions from the rebels the talks were cancelled. The Norwegian mediator was hampered in his work by the LTTE which refuses as government interlocutor a former leader of their movement Karuna Amman accused by the rebels of wanting to split the Tamil front.
Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapakse, addressing the nation, condemned the act of brutal terrorism and called on the people to keep calm not to give in to provocation by people who want to see Sri Lanka again at war.
Tension is high in the north and east with daily violations of the cease fire agreement signed in 2002. The Sri Lanka army launched an air and naval attack on the Tamil north, Trincomalee in particular. In recent weeks 100 people were killed in an escalation of violence. The LTTE threatens armed attacks of air raids and shelling in their area does not stop. Observers see the country on the brink of civil war which in the past took 64,000 lives.
At this crucial time the Church in Sri Lanka continues to promote reconciliation: “A united move for peace is imperative. As the Catholic community we have always asked for a political solution which will also enable us to live in peace and dignity”, said Archbishop Oswald Gomis of the capital Colombo. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/4/2006 righe 31 parole 289)
