Priests in Sri Lanka hold Masses for former Tamil rebels
(Dec.16,2009): Catholic priests in Sri Lanka, celebrated the first few Masses for
former Tamil rebels held in camps in the country's north. Military officials gave
priests their approval for the services last week. “We are allowed in only for religious
purposes,” said Father Emilianuspillai Santhiappillai, head of Vavuniya deanery in
Mannar diocese, where most of the 17 rehabilitation camps for Tamil rebels are located.
The army has given permission for 10 priests to visit for three hours on Saturdays
from 6:30-9:30 a.m. Priests hold Masses in small prayer centers or in the shade
of trees. They are screened on arrival in the camps, and cameras and mobile phones
are strictly prohibited. The priests are also not allowed to carry letters or messages
between the detainees and their families. More than seven months after Sri Lanka's
26-year civil war ended, about 12,000 former rebels are being held. Around 3,000 of
the detainees are Catholics, while the rest are Hindus. The authorities say some are
being rehabilitated, others face war crimes trials and some will be given amnesty.
The authorities are currently interrogating the detainees to expose senior officers
and associates, rebel hideouts and ammunition dumps. Sri Lankan authorities still
will not allow access to the camps by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
No civilians are allowed in but parents and relatives can meet for a limited time
at the entrance to the camp.