Sri Lanka Requiem Mass held for 'lost generation'

(June 25, 2009) Physically and mentally battered Tamils recently attended a requiem Mass for the thousands who died in the 25-year civil war in the country. "We have lost a generation," said Rajan Seemanpillai, 69, a mourner at Jaffna cathedral who lost five of his family members. The memorial service in St Mary's cathedral in the northern city was held on June 20, one month after the close of final battle between government forces and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). "Survivors in camps and hospitals are still suffering," said Father Francis Xavier Jayasegaram, president of the Justice and Peace Commission of Jaffna diocese. Some 500 Catholics, including priests and nuns from many parishes, participated at the three-hour prayer service at cathedral that saw the congregation singing a popular hymn, "Do not fear, I am always with you," in Tamil. At present, about 300,000 civilians are still in refugee camps with limited access by aid workers. Some of them are suspected of having connections with the LTTE and many of these camps are ringed by barbed wire and guarded by soldiers. Father R.G. Vijintus, secretary to Bishop of Jaffna, said on June 25 that one priest has been released from a camp after a military inquiry. Six priests and three nuns are still in the camps. Bishop of Jafna said he is in touch with the state government for the release of the priests and nuns. Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapakse on June 22 acknowledged the need to win the hearts and minds of Tamil people and ensure that they are able to without fear and mistrust.