The mood in Jaffna is that of being tragically marooned
June 18th, 2009
Hello Friends,
A Christian clergyman who inspired many of us during our student days was the Anglican Bishop of Kurunegala Rt. Rev Lakshman Wickremasinghe.
This eminent theologian known popularly as Bishop Lakshman was a practical man of action when it came to the question of human rights violations and inter-ethnic justice and unity.
Bishop Lakshman was one of those who pioneered the Civil Rights Movement in Sri Lanka when the State unleashed massive repression during the time of the first Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) insurgency in 1971.
His balanced perspective on the Tamil national question was laudable . He was in Britain getting medical treatment during the 1983 July anti-Tamil pogrom but wrote a heartfelt Pastoral letter in which he addressed the issue eloquently.
Personally speaking, Bishop Lakshman’s letter played an important role for me in the aftermath of the 1983 violence.
This was a time when I like most Tamils was thinking hard about the future of Tamils in a united Sri Lanka.
But Bishop Lakshman’s letter was an important factor then in preserving my sanity and helping to reinforce my faith in a united Sri Lanka.
We were indeed shattered when Bishop Lakshman passed away within a few months after that inspiring letter.
Though Bishop Lakshman was a unique personality there are some other religious leaders in Sri Lanka who are playing commendable roles to foster justice, amity and harmony.
One of these is the present Anglican Bishop of Colombo Rt.Rev Duleep de Chickera.
He was for some years the Chaplain at S.T.C. Mt.Lavinia and nicknamed by Thomians as “Chickee”.
Unfortunately this was after I had left College. During my student days it was Rev. LJB Fernando and Fr.Daniel who were there.
Bishop Duleep as he is generally known tries in his own way to speak up for the oppressed and strives to promote inter-ethnic understanding, justice and equality.
Recently Bishop Duleep concluded a pastoral visit to Jaffna and issued a public statement afterwards.
Bishop Duleep has encapsuled the feelings and mood of Jaffna vividly.
His suggestions on fostering greater understanding and inter-action between the ethnicities are worthy of consideration.
I think the statement provides pertinent insight into the Jaffna of today and am reproducing it here on this blog.
I hope readers will find it interesting and thought-provoking.- DBSJ
The anxieties of the People of Jaffna-an opportunity for National growth and harmony
A statement by the Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo:
I recently returned from one of my regular Pastoral visits to our Congregations (Churches) and Schools in Jaffna. Such visits are always educative and humbling.
What was immediately noticeable was the pre-occupation with routine in the lives of the people; simply because there seems to be little else to look forward to.
People went about their daily business and fulfilled personal obligations with precision. Schools functioned smoothly and education as always continues to be taken very seriously. I even witnessed a very high standard of basket-ball in a game between Jaffna Hindu College and S. Johns College. One player from each team respectively, showed much potential and should catch the attention of our National talent scouts. Those responsible for sustaining interest and standards in sport amongst youth in Jaffna must be congratulated and encouraged.
The cost of living has come down in a welcome trend. The prices of some essential items like rice however are still very much higher than in the rest of the country, and continue to cause hardship particularly for the poor.
But hidden behind the routine is a suppressed mix of continuing anxiety and cynicism over the Jaffna context as well as deep sorrow over the experiences of the Vanni Tamils. In some instances one also sensed regret that not enough was said and done on behalf of the Vanni Tamils during LTTE suppression prior to the recent war.
Such concerns would have added credibility to the concerns expressed for the safety and well being of these civilians during and after the war. The predominant and recurring feeling amongst all classes and ages however was that the Tamils are an isolated and constrained Community.
On the Peninsular, the people feel they are marooned; physically, psychologically and politically. The Youth in particular are restless and search for answers to difficult questions. Many will migrate if given the opportunity. Options for study and employment are few and restricted.
Yet only the desperate or daring will think of traveling to the south in search of better prospects. Stories of inconvenience and some ridicule and harassment experienced in travel, abound. In the south there is severe hardship in finding suitable lodging as even friends and relations are reluctant to take them in. State sponsored Youth hostels which will also provide an opportunity for the integration of our youth of all communities, are non-existent.
There was little enthusiasm for elections. A feeling prevails that change must come now; as a preparation for and prelude to elections.
Pre-election promises will centre too much on what individuals can do. What people want desperately is an impartial political culture that they can own and that will restore trust, civilian administration and normalcy.
The voice of the elders is articulate. It describes the core travails of the people without unnecessary digression into trivialities. But it is also a weary and sceptical voice. This combined wisdom and scepticism typically reflect long years of hardship. It calls for the freedom of movement and a demonstration of National confidence in the non-violent and peace loving majority within the Tamil community.
It desires the long overdue affirmation of the Tamil culture at National events and also as part of our common Sri Lankan identity. This voice also realistically acknowledges the reciprocation that Tamils will have to offer this process. In fact Jaffna has a distinct role to play in dismantling its ethnic isolation and encouraging the interaction of the Communities especially amongst children and youth.
In response there is much that imaginative persons can do for a start. Exchanges are necessary in the field of Sport and Commerce. A recent cricket coaching camp was very highly appreciated. There is not even one swimming pool in the whole of Jaffna; devoid of Wewas and deprived of easy access to sea bathing ! A scheduled visit of the Chamber of Commerce over the next few days was most welcome. Trade and marketing opportunities need to be explored and developed. Small onions going for Rs 20/- per kilo at present is an indication of the state of the Jaffna economy as well as the frustrations of the struggling Jaffna farmer.
For most of this to happen the A Nine road must be cleared and opened to the public as soon as possible.
A ray of hope already lies in the fine rapport that Maj. Gen. Mendaka Samarasinghe and Jaffna’s Council for Peace and Goodwill have with each other. It is through such trust and dialogue that initial steps to ease the hardships of the Tamil people and the integration of the Communities will come.
But beyond this everything will depend on our ability to create a climate of political and cultural trust and socio-economic opportunity that will visibly include and recognise the skills of Tamils. If not Jaffna will continue to remain tragically marooned and all our children’ children deprived of yet a better way towards a wider understanding of truth and fullness of life.
With Peace and Blessings to all.
Duleep de Chickera
11th June 2009
Entry Filed under: Current affairs
30 Comments Add your own
1. Jebanesan | June 18th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Yes
I must say that Bishop Duleep is becoming like Bishop Lakshman
Both men of the cloth are cut out of the same cloth indeed
2. brian | June 18th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
The good Bishop has summed up mood of Jaffna well.
I hope the Govt will listen to the Bishop and promote understanding between Jaffna and rest of Country
Jaffna is part and parcel of Lanka. We dont want the illustrious Jaffna Tamils to be maroooned forever
3. Channa | June 18th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
All peace loving people on the great ethnic divide will sigh relief after this account by Rev. Chickera.
I also had the fortune to visit Jaffna and the mood is pretty promising for normalcy.
So where does the Tamil Diaspora of LTTE faith stand?
They try to portray doom in Vanni IDP camps but the developments in the Eastern province and the Jaffna peninsula are quite contrary to their genocidal claims.
The precedent is clear. Give time to the govt to flush out the skeletons of the LTTE, so that Vanni will too see normalcy over time.
This socio-economic normalcy back in to the lives of the tamil community should be an eye-opener for likes of Sunila, Channel 4, and Tamilnet.
With the gradual opening of A9 as said by Rev Chickera we should be optimistic. It’s painful after destruction that things are slow but the resolve of the govt and the sinhala community should not be under-estimated.
4. rose | June 18th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
This statement needs to go around the world. The Bishop writes with no sensationalism but with a deep and touching sincerity. He makes us see what it means to be an innocent Tamil person living in Sri Lanka today. Over the years, I have seen videos and photos of Jaffna Tamils attending weddings and other celebrations in the villages. I am always struck by the look of awful depression and melancholy in their eyes even at happy occasions. The Bishop gives voice to a people who have been forced to live with violence and deprivation for 25 years.
Thank you for publicising the Bishop’s statement, DBSJ.
5. Ravana | June 18th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Bishop Lakshman was truly inspirational. They say “only the good die young” and his untimely demise was a terrible loss to this country and her people.
I am proud to say that I although a Sinhala Buddhist was a nephew of this great man and drew much inspiration from him.
6. aj | June 19th, 2009 at 12:37 am
HI! Jeyaraj,
Yes this peice is genuinely refreshing -aj
7. Philip R. | June 19th, 2009 at 3:34 am
Letters like this have to be translated into Tamil and Sinhala and published, so that many doors can be opened for better understanding, acceptance and respect among communities.
8. Nakedeye | June 19th, 2009 at 4:33 am
Just my few cents on Channa’s comments. I don’t understand why the Tamil Diaspora is always blamed. I am for the United Sri Lanka but for that sake not prepared to boast that the government is doing a great job. Stories about camps are very disturbing and the government’s ignorance is pathetic. Only because of the Tamil Diaspora the world is aware of a problem in Sri Lanka, otherwise goverment would have suppressed all the information and no one would have known anything. Tamils were forced to have faith in LTTE as there were no genuine Tamil leader to fight for the rights, sadly LTTE’s mentality changed and they became more power hungry then the good life for Tamils. Just one incident happenned to me last week which is disturbing. I live in London and have a bunch of Sinhala friends. I forwarded the email ‘api’ owun’ with the photographical illustration and one of the sinhala guy got really upset and almost sent me a screaming email.. , I sent that email just as IDPs and Other sri Lankans.. but so far nothing much have changed.
I can understand people like DBSJ are doing a great job.. but my question is is it reaching the laymen?? who does not evaluate thinngs and just believe whatever the local media and preists say! I wish these sort of visits are made by Buddhist monks and they will be most effective people to mend the ethnic relationship without preaching hatred.. luckily Christianity is followed by both ethnicties.. and the priests are doing a good job.. this is an example for other religious leaders to follow.. Good Luck with your efforts DBSJ!
9. dingiri | June 19th, 2009 at 5:22 am
We long for the day when the Mahanayakas could come out with something like this. Will it ever happen in our lifetimes?
10. Chammika | June 19th, 2009 at 5:59 am
I hope the diaspora stops supporting the LTTE. When we in the south here of LTTE statements of transnational governments of Ealam and its remnants, there is always the mistrust and fear that extremism will rear its head again. That is not very conducive to building trust, is it?
We people of the South sacrificed our sons and daughters to achieve long lasting and meaningful peace with our Tamil brethren, not to have that stolen once more from right under our noses. We do not want to see those sacrifices washed off. More than any of us it is the Tamils themselves that have suffered.
In as much as we strive to eradicate misunderstandings/misconceptions within an increasingly small minority of Sinhalese, we believe the diaspora Tamils also need to play their role to promote peace and harmony.
Please understand our concerns!
11. kurusilva | June 19th, 2009 at 6:36 am
you have brought only Catholic & other sects of Christian priests who have done some good in Sri Lanka,but what about the Buddhist & Hindu Priests & Muslim Mullahs who have done good for the humanity in Sri Lanka.
KURUSILVA
12. ANton Jay | June 19th, 2009 at 6:59 am
Bishop Lakshman Wickremasinghe who was also the Uncle of Ranil Wickremasinghe (Ranil is the son of Esmond Wickremasinghe), was a pioneer in the formation of the Civil Rigts Movement in the 70s, along with the Roman Catholic Bishop Leo Nanayakkara of Kandy and later Badulla (my one time boarding master at St. Anthony’s College in Kandy, a very strict disciplinarian who always carried a cane inside his cassock pocket).
They are a rare breed to be found now in SL. Bishop Duleep de Chickera is in the same mould and his concern for the oppressed and the downtrodden is really remarkable and refreshing.
13. JMPillai | June 19th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
DBS, Thanks for publishing the good Bishop’s letter. It is not a political letter but a pastoral letter and should be read as such. He would have known when he sat down to write that whatever he wrote after a visit to that troubled part of the country will be read, re-read, analysed and taken apart by its readers and it will be appreciated by some and heavily criticised by some others. But he nevertheless went ahead and wrote it. He obviously cares about those poor people who are looking for a ray of sunshine after so many years of darkness. Thank you Bishop.
I am sorry the good bishop did not extend his pastoral visit to the Vanni as well and see for himself how the IDPs are doing in their camps. He could have then asked the authorities why they are being kept there, especially the elders, pregnant mothers and children. Please, Bishop, do visit them soon and help them to get back to their respective homes.
Finally, I am pleased that the Christian Bishop has done what is right for a religious leader to do, but at the same time, I am saddened by the fact that our Catholic bishops have not done the same. The religious leaders have very important parts to play in bringing peace to the country. It is not a favoured option but an absolute duty to do so. Watching carefully the political climate and working behind the scenes are good for opportunists and politicians, not for religious leaders.
I wish more and more of the religious leaders, archbishops, bishops, Hindu priests, Buddhist clergy etc will go, meet the people there and write about their plight.
JMP
14. Siva | June 19th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Bishop.Lakshman will be remembered by many as the person who taught us the words like “human rights” and “civil rights”.A great man ,I only wish he were here today.
His nephew is still active in politics and lead one of the major parties.It is high time that Ranil took over the mantle of his uncle.
Thank you so much for publishing the report by Bishop Duleep.
Cheers,Siva
15. Siva | June 19th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Articles like these refreshes and give hope to the Tamil community. Good job.
Do you have any information on Late Gamini Navaratna, Journalist for Saturday Review, who resided in Jaffna?
16. kDr.KenDr.K | June 19th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
People of Jaffna paid a heavy price during the LTTE times and even after. Jaffna people are one of the highly competitive mindeds. If opertunity is given they will rise up as one of the bests. Out of all education is basic asset to them and they strongly believe and depend on it. If we are going to call our homeland as one nation, equal oportunity should be given to them as one live in Colombo. Instead if you going to put the presence of a massive armed forces presence and question them and control them in every way possible another VP will emerge. The ball is on the south side, how you are going to kick it will decide what Jaffna will do. One advice: the political spectrum of Colombo is not the singaleese, if so even one tamil could not escape the 1983 riot. Most singaleese do not agree with Colombo that is the positive nature of hope.
17. Mohan | June 19th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
To Channa who thinks everything is fine in the East. Get a reality check! Nothing is fine there. If you want true peace and for Tamil diaspora you think are of LTTE faith, to trust the sinhalese, then the government has to ring in changes to the constitution. They can start by bringing to justice the people who evoke hatred among the sinhalese community. Quite a few of them wear yellow robes. All this fancy talk will get you nowhere. The tamils have suffered much and nothing, I repeat nothing will make us trust the sinhalese except real changes to the legal system with a quota system for security forces of all kind.
18. kDR.KDr.KenDr.K | June 19th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
To . Chammika:
Do you want the tamils to forget LTTE? I’m sorry it is not going to happen. They are brothers sisters etc of some tamil man. If I ask you to forget the soldiers died during the war, will you do it. Don’t ask us to forget the sagrifice made by them . They bleived in something and died for it, they have to be respected and remembered. In keeping that in mind I’m ready to be a friend to you and work with you to rebuild our beatiful country. I’m sure if you visit jaffna or vanni you will cry by looking at the descruction. WE have destroyed as much as possible by hating each other. I will be happy with a singaleese neighour in kilinochchi as long as he is not planing to remove me from my home. Be honest I will welcome any one as my neighbour as long as he doesn’t pork his nose in my backyard.
19. Dilshan F | June 19th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Dear DBSJ,and to all those who read the Bishops letter.
Being a Thomian I was under ‘chickee’ the most part of my school life. We always wondered whether he was a Royalist or Thomian, but concluded that he must be Thomian as we loved him so much. ( for those who do not know S Thomas’ and Royal are two rival schools in Colombo ) . He with his gracious wife lived at S’Thomas mentoring many young Thomians .
‘Chickee’ is a great example of a firm gentle no nonsense Bishop. Knowing that his letters are always read as from ‘the Bishop’ he is careful not to fan fires in any of the extremist readers. He has influenced many people including me.
I have also visited Jaffna in my teens before ‘83. Wonderful place and more than that absolutely wonderful hospitable people. ( I learnt to eat veggi’s there )
I have purposely hired very senior Tamil persons to my organisation and I can proudly say that the workplace is better due to this. I have a ‘Pure Jaffna Tamil ‘ girl who is very much loved by all her colleagues. I have included Muslims as well.
I firmly believe that my upbringing amongst all races at S Thomas’ have taught me to appreciate all and feel their frustrations as well.
To those who run business – Hire Tamils and give respect and pride the their work. Understand their frustrations in coming to work after checkpoints. When they speak in tamil do not mistrust them.
To my Tamil brothers understand our frustration when bombs went off killing indiscriminately set off by a Tamil Tiger.
I like many understand your frustrations too living with the mistrust and suspicion.
Non of us are willing to accept a Tamil homeland or eelam. But we are more than willing to accept and know that you are equal sons and daughters in this land and it belongs to your children as well as mine. Actions of the Diaspora in supporting the LTTE has created a great mistrust and grievance amongst ordinary citizens here. They believe that Diaspora is LTTE .
I understand it will take years for reconciliation and acceptance and I urge all those who have some choice in creating a balanced workplace as a start and as your contribution to Peace and reconciliation. A little step in the right direction will someday bring greater peace in our hearts and mind .
20. April | June 20th, 2009 at 1:13 am
Reconciliation and unitary state are day dreams as long as the Human rights, law and order are one sided.
Armed LTTE may be history but Tamil resistance is not and we are bitterer towards Srilanka now than immediate post 1983.
Unless the Srilankan Government allows the war crime to be investigated and perpetrators punished, Diaspora Tamil will never forgive the Cruel events.
21. Ilaya Seran Senguttuvan | June 20th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Encouraging to read expressions of accommodation from both sides. Though not a Christian, I have the greatest respect for the religion and what it did to all of us while young in education and national unity. I am sure Sinhala Buddhist famllies like the Bandaranaikes will agree. Bishop Lakshman came into our school regularly and helped us in our athletics bringing some of his colleagues Ceylon track stars like Oscar Wijesinghe (?) to help us. Many of us in our early teens then thought Bishop L was an angel tall, very fair, extremely handsome and soft spoken. Ranil W smiles every time I mentioned this to him. Many close to Bishop L say he died prematurely because he could not bear the disunity and bestiality that overtook the Sinhalese and Tamils whom he loved so passionately. That was the measure of humanism in this great man of the church and people. The memory of his endless love of all Lankans and the cause of the nascent HR culture he helped to strengthen will always remain in the hearts of our people who knew him. Bishop Duleep raises his voice for the rights of all people and was much more vocal than his office calls for and so sometimes disliked by the Sinhala extreme. I have met him in the company of yet another civic-minded a family friend clergyman Rev. Sydney Knight who himself took much interest beyond the call of his church to help Lankans across the racial divide. These remarkable men of the Christian church gained the respect of all Lankans by their example and commitment – as comments in the blog confirm. It certainly is an indictment of the intolerance that has gained ascendancy and encouragement during our times where Christian churches are being barbarously attacked today and in the last few years by religious zealots masquerading as Buddhist priests and activists. As someone commented here, the cause of unity and reconciliation will be advanced if the leading figures in the Buddhist clergy including those from the hierarchy based in Kandy visit the IDP camps and re-assure the Tamils we are all one and must work together to rebuild the country. This will help place Sri Lanka in better light in terms of compassion, racial tolerance and democratic pluralism features for which this lovely land was always noted until majoritarian political and religious madness replaced all that was good and dear to us. I might add, in the last few days I learn from reliable sources, even active LTTE hard-core in Canada, Europe and Australia have switched on to satellite TV whenever our lads played in the 20/20 in England and warmly cheered for them. They are delirious we are in the Finals (Remember the emphasis on WE”) And so it has been in previous cricket encounters too. It is even said that Prabakaran and his high command too postponed their work whenever our lads were at play. Sanath J was mobbed when he visited the North not long ago. Sometimes one is left to wonder if there are really two segments of the Sri Lankan whole. A prodigal and profligate Govt and political reality that refuses to objectively cause unity among the two major communities so that they continue to enjoy the fruits of office and on the other side of the spectrum a peace-yearning Sinhala and Tamil people like those who comment enthusiastically and lavishly in these columns – desperately trying to come together and build the nation so that all can live in peace, unity and prosperity. Thoughts of Dilshan F (#19) and Kurusilva (#11) suggest unity still has a chance in this fractured island. How one wishes the debates and comments in these columns gain the wider readership of both Sinhala and Tami audiences throughout the whole of Sri Lanka and the diaspora the much-maligned Tamil and Sinhala.
ISS.
22. chelvashan | June 20th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Hi DBS
A good letter from a clergyman. Same thing should come out from all ethnic religions as people will be looking forward to hold on to something to follow up reconcillations between the ethnic society. As suggested the religious leaders of all ethnic community in srilanka should set an example to follow love, respect, tolerance and care to each other. This was lacking in Srilanka due to the presence of Gundas, thughs and thieves who has to be re-educated and disciplined. This will create a new srilanka in the horizon.
23. chelvashan | June 20th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Dear DBS
a great letter participation in reconcillation process for the ethnic societies of Srilanka. If everyone can listen to this from nooks and corners of Srilanka, including thugs ,thieves and innocents will reducate the people of srilanka in love, honesty, tolerance and care.
I wish that all religious leaders should start this process on their own and such sincere moves will make the Government to turn its head and support the people. This will result in opening up a better communication between the world diaspora of tamils, sinhalese and muslims. This will pave way for the bright Srilanka with freedom of thoughts, expression and bring up past, present and future humanitarian issues to light. Let us pray for this
regards
chelvashan
24. Sathi | June 20th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Hi DBS,
The government must be sincere in improving the conditions of IDPs. Sri Lanka must have sincere leaders like Bishop Lakshman and Duleep Chickera.
Kind Regards
Sathi
25. K | June 20th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
United Ceylon sounds much better than ‘united SriLanka’. The word ‘SriLanka’ is difficult to digest to a many Tamils. It’s not because of LTTE’s propaganda but because of the speeches and interviews, attitudes and actions of the ‘Leaders of the Govts’ so far! The change has to come from those who are ‘ruling’ the country. Why don’t you change the name of the country back to ‘Ceylon’ to indicate that it’s for both the Sinhalese and the Tamils? Anyhow well done to the Christian Leaders!
26. Sathi | June 21st, 2009 at 3:07 pm
My humble opinion is before we consider changing the name of the country, if the government sincerely implements the Tamil language (the so called official language) properly in North & East then things will begin to improve.
Sathi
27. Chammika | June 23rd, 2009 at 7:42 am
To kDR.KDr.KenDr.K ,
I never said forget the LTTE cadres who fought fearlessly and sacrificed their lives for what they believed in.
In fact you may be surprised that battle hardened and professional soldiers of the Army too have a professional respect to the cadres who died fighting for what they believed in.
Not only Tamils but Sri Lankans collectively should make sure that their deaths – and the sacrifices of the military, are not in vain.
We shall fail them (sons of our soil), if war and hatred were allowed to raise its head again.
That was why I noted statements of extremism and division should not be encouraged. Correct me if I am wrong, but they seem to be coming from one direction mainly, the Tamil Diaspora.
There are also those who seem intent in sowing seeds of hatred from within the Country and outside, for some twisted agenda they believe in or simply for financial gain.
I just hope and pray that our common heritage and culture of peace, wisdom and tolerance that dates back many millennium will enable us to overcome adversity in challenging times such as these.
28. K | June 25th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
It’s true that Tamil Diaspora too, along with LTTE, had lost the sense of reality! And I agree that extremisim and devision sould not be encouraged.
29. aNANDAKUMAR aNANDANAYAGAM | July 2nd, 2009 at 2:49 am
Hi
Greetings:
Both my late wife and I adored Bishop Lakshman so much so that he took our engagement at his residence at Kurunagala and we named our son after him.
Bishop Duleep and Geetha too are known to me.I was with him at the Theological College,and his room was next to mine.the room after that was Roger’s currently the Archbishop of Perth(Anglican church) Thease two men are out standing which some of us knew as we were growing together as students at the college.
You are absolutely right in saying that both Bishop Duleep (is) and Bishop Lakshman(was) have compassion for the tamils and equal rights to everyone living in our mother land.
Kumar
30. Ashoka G | July 5th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Your articles are missed by me in the Sunday Leader and The Nation. Please write to the Leader. Classical Englsih loved by me. I used to discuss your articles with my friends. Reverend Lakshman is a Great Personality in our times. Your constant use of the word “rehetoric” refering to LTTE bravdo proved it at the end. Its high time that the Roman Catholic Clergy voiced it concerns for those innocent civilans languishing in open air camps. It appears that they are infighting. I salute Bishop Duleep for his frankness, outspokeness and feelings for the less fortunate.
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