During the past several years our National Day was celebrated with reserve. While there was fear on the part of those who celebrated the event there was a sense of frustration and sadness among another segment of the people who believed that they were not treated as part of the nation. Today however a glimmer of hope has dawned in the hearts of the majority on both sides of the divide. They hope that the present situation would soon give way to make every citizen in this country to feel and live with a sense of dignity in liberty, equality and fraternity.

However, it would be puerile to think that a permanent peace would fall from the skies. There is much left for all of us yet to labour. On the part of the leadership of the nation there is so much yet to cover not only in the agenda of subjects for agreement, but also in the convergence of hearts and minds to realize that peace is the prime factor and could be won only outside the arena of party politics.

We could be happy that the Peace Initiative is the product of the dedicated effort of both the leaders at the helm of the nation today. They have been committed to this initiative irrespective of their party affiliation. And it is equally fortunate that the majority of their respective party followers have worked together with them in this effort. But there is much ground yet to be covered. At this juncture we could only reiterate what we have often said - there is no success possible unless there is unity among the two major political groupings in the country. And this we hope will be a reality in this new year of Independence.

A further important factor at this crucial moment is the support of all people of goodwill. Without an iota of doubt the greater and the vast majority of our people want peace - peace with dignity. But it is unfortunate that they prefer to remain silent and inactive in the midst of the turbulent noise of a vociferous few. This has been the bane of our nation, in fact of many nations, throughout history. The good-willed arise late only to lament. We should emphasize that this is the time for the people to awake and make their voice heard, so that the leadership will receive the support they deserve.

As a nation that won its independence devoid of bloodshed, there is little appreciation among many of the freedom we possess. That freedom is taken for granted like with the air we breathe and the water we drink. These will be belatedly appreciated only when polluted. Thus all people of goodwill, irrespective of ethnicity, caste or creed need to raise their voice for peace and make a positive commitment to work for peace. They need to persuade the leaders to work in consensus and consistence towards the cause of peace. They need to raise their voice louder than that of the enemies of peace who are either misguided by extremism or motivated by their own hidden agendas.

While peace is the first concern it is also the fervent hope of all our people that the law and order situation in the country be soon restored. The dangerous trend towards crime and lawlessness has not abated. Accusations and counter-accusations of bribery and corruption are still loudly heard. The sufferings of the poor are hardly lightened. While there is much being done, there is need to do so much more. It is our view that these maladies could only be remedied by collaboration and not by confrontation.

Therefore we once again appeal for consensual politics where all those who have the welfare of the country and the people at heart would work in collaboration to eliminate the unhealthy elements that have even through their own respective ranks, sneaked into the arena of governance only to attain their selfish objectives.

Let this celebration of Independence be an opportunity to re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of peace, and to work for the welfare of our people.

As a Catholic community let us make this a day of special prayer for peace. Let us plead with Mary the Mother of Jesus - the Prince of Peace, to bring forth in our land that gift of her Son - peace and goodwill to all.

Oswald Gomis
Archbishop of Colombo