Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) - The April 20th meeting in the Vatican between Pope Benedict XVI and Sri Lanka's prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has sparked new hope in the Island's civil society for a rapid reopening of dialogue and negotiations. The Holy Father, according to a Holy See statement, asked the Premier to guarantee respect for human rights and to “return to the path of dialogue and negotiations, the only way to end the violence which bloodies the Island”, underlining that “the local Catholic Church which makes an important contribution to the life of the country will intensify its efforts to form consciences with the sole intention to promote the common good and national reconciliation and peace”.
After a good will address to the Pope by Mr Rajapaksa it was the turn of the foreign minister of Sri Lanka Rohitha Bogollagama who assured the Holy Father: “we are ready to open negotiations immediately. But the Tamil rebels must renounce terrorism”, sparking hopes for a possible end to 20 years of bloody conflict recently resumed with more violence. He said that the important role of the international community to assist and encourage the parties in the peace process must continue.
The local Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has always acted as a “bridge” to solve this conflict between the two peoples of different ethnic origin. Recently the Island's Catholic Bishops recalled that “peace is a gift of the Risen Christ who offers every man and women new life and the strength to defeat evil with good”, and urged Sinhalese and Tamils to “enter into this spirit of peace, joy, fraternity and faith”, put out the embers of old divisions, mistrust and violence and “kindle the new fire of truth, love, compassion and tolerance”.
Catholics in Sri Lanka represent 7% of a population of 21 million 69.1% Buddhist. There are also sizeable Muslim 7.6% and Hindu 7.1%. communities (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/4/2007 righe 27 parole 271)
