May 1, 2014: The bishops of Sri Lanka are here in Rome for the Ad Limina visit that
heads of dioceses make every 5 years or so to report on the state of their jurisdiction
which is set for Tuesday and Wednesday. Catholics represent about 7% of the Sri Lankan
population and are the largest Christian community , especially among the Tamils.
The bishops of Sri Lanka have strongly urged their fellow citizens to put pressure
on their political leaders and the leaders of the separatist Tamil guerrillas so that
they find a political solution to the armed conflict. While noting some positive signs
of development in the country, we feel the need to promote unity and reconciliation
among the people of our mother earth, the bishops say. This can only be done respecting
each other and safeguarding the dignity of others This , they add, " is largely dependent
on equality and justice granted to all citizens . They wished all people lived the
gift of peace , in their private lives and in their beloved country " The people
of Sri Lanka have suffered civil war for more than three decades. The Church has
always acted as a bridge between the ethnic group in conflict. Since the catholics
comprise of Sinhalese and Tamils, it has managed to maintain a balance and strongly
push for reconciliation and peace, a task that continues to date, through its religious
personnel and their organizations. It is committed both to heal the traumas of war
suffered by the civilian population and to promote the values of reconciliation at
all levels.