Sri Lankan Bishop calls for a day of prayer for peace as nation celebrates anniversary of Independence.

(Feb. 04, 2009):In Sri Lanka, Archbishop Oswald Gomis of Colombo called for a day of prayer for peace and prosperity on Wed. 4^th February, as the country celebrated the 61^st anniversary of its independence. In his message for this day, Archbishop Gomis, noted the heavy casualties suffered on both sides in the long drawn-out civil war. He said that "victory in war has to be achieved through a political solution that is acceptable to the larger majority of our people on both sides of the divide. If we want to keep Sri Lanka an undivided land, we must ensure that everyone, who is a citizen of this country, enjoys equal rights, irrespective of all the differences we have imposed on ourselves to foster and protect our narrow sectarian interests," said Archbishop Gomis.
Noting that short-sighted policies, ill-conceived legislation and political expediency have plagued the country during her many years of independence, Archbishop Gomis called on every citizen of Sri Lanka to make the utmost effort to promote national integration.. Observing the global economic crises that has already affected several segments of the country’s economy, the Archbishop suggested the promotion of an intensive agricultural program, especially in the northern and eastern districts, saying it would help promote the welfare of the distressed families in these areas. Archbishop Gomis concluded with a prayer for all those who have suffered in this war, particularly for the dead and maimed soldiers, their bereaved families, innocent victims and the displaced who are still suffering.