Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) – The civil war in Sri Lanka seems to have entered its bloodiest phase. The time given by the central government to the Tamil Tigers for their surrender, has run out and the final attack has been launched by Sinhalese troops, who have launched a massive attack to end all rebel resistance.
This morning (April 21), having heard no response from rebel leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran, soldiers from the national army are entering the areas of Puthumanthalam and Amapalavanpokkanai, inside the so-called “No Fire Zone,” in order to rescue civilians trapped in the area between the two armies.
The government in Colombo has issued a statement saying that between yesterday and today, over 49,000 civilians have been taken to sure ground. The living situations, however, in the areas where they have been transferred are extremely difficult, humanitarian organizations commented. The Red Cross, United Nations, and UNICEF commented that the situation in the tents where they are living are desperate, due to a lack of food and medicine. The International Red Cross has launched an alert stating that the final attack of the Sri Lankan army could easily lead to more civilian victims and expressed their concern especially for the most vulnerable groups, such as women and children. Human Rights Watch has issued an appeal asking that the attack may not become a “bloodbath,” without any respect for human life.
The Church, in this crucial moment, has asked the faithful to pray with even greater intensity. Recalling Easter, Archbishop Oswald Gomis of Colombo, said that “looking at Christ, humanity can find new life that overcomes the logic of death, war, and divisions.”
All the Christian communities are intensely praying for peace and justice in the country, for an end to the suffering of their people, for the refugees, the poor, and the unemployed. The Church has also renewed her appeal to unity and harmony between nations. To prevent these dangerous phenomenons of division, she insists on the need to protect the fundamental dignity, unalienable rights, and personal freedom of all citizens. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/04/2009)
