Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) – "It has been an appeal of great help to the country. We are honored that the Holy Father has devoted his attention and we thank him whole-heartedly. He has highlighted the difficult issues of displaced persons, rehabilitation, and peace yet to be solved: this is the future of our beloved nation.” This is what Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo said in an interview with Fides, commenting on Pope Benedict XVI's appeal yesterday in his General Audience, where he called for “rapid peace," in "full respect for human rights” for Sri Lanka. Benedict XVI also asked the international community to provide economic aid to the country, six months after the conclusion of a bloody civil war, which has lasted for thirty years.
"We are very thankful the Pope. His appeal was very well received and was widely heard throughout the country. Even the Government of Colombo feels honored and encouraged to act promptly, with justice and generosity," said the Archbishop.
"The challenge of relocation of refugees is the most urgent. Tamil IDPs forced to flee their homes because of war have been living for months in camps set up by the government. Now they are beginning to return to their villages and have to restart their lives, but find themselves in a very difficult situation. Everything has been destroyed by the war. We need homes, schools, roads and hospitals. There is also an urgent need for greater commitment from the government and international aid for the rehabilitation and reconstruction," Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith told Fides.
"This is why a delegation of religious leaders arrived in Europe (see Fides 5/11/2009 and 7/11/2009) to plead this cause and seek renewal of economic agreements between the European Union and Sri Lanka, established after the tsunami in 2004, which boosted the national economy. These agreements are put in doubt by the EU for several reasons: allegations of violations of human rights, recruiting child soldiers, delay in assistance to refugees. We explained to European officials that today the situation has improved and we are trying to emerge from a very difficult phase. The renewal of the agreements will facilitate the rehabilitation of refugees and the reconstruction of areas destroyed. This work is of fundamental importance and is the necessary step towards reconciliation and social peace. Only in this manner can we encourage dialogue, the growth of civil society, and the renewal of politics at the local level. If we want to build peace, we need to start restoring people to a decent life, with a minimum of economic and social welfare. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/11/2009)
