Trinco Bishop exhorts people to work for peace

[TamilNet, Monday, 09 February 2004, 17:07 GMT]
The Trincomalee-Batticaloa Bishop, the Rt.Rev.Dr.Joseph Kingsely Swampillai, Sunday said a dangerous situation has arisen in the country when one speaks about his or her language and religion, and lamented that all human values, which are needed for moulding a nation with healthy mind, are being destroyed in the name of language and religion.

The Trincomalee Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr.Kingsely Swampillai, speaking.

"Religions and languages have become weapons to divide the human beings instead of uniting them," said the Bishop, participating in the cultural programme that was held Sunday evening at the conclusion of the twelve-day annual feast of the Trincomalee Church of Infant Jesus.

"People of the country are crying for permanent peace but the current political situation has proved that it is not in the hands of man but in the hands of the Almighty," said the Bishop. "Peace should be achieved first in the hearts of every human being. Thereafter we could think of peace in the country.

"People should come forward to take the peace efforts forward, leaving aside the politicians in the country. Until then the achievement of permanent peace in the country would be a mirage for us."

Several plays were staged at the cultural event in all three languages, stressing the urgent need for peace and harmony among all communities irrespective of language, religion and caste differences and also against another war in the country.

Earlier, the cultural programme was inaugurated with the lighting the traditional oil lamp by the Bishop, the chief Hindu priest of Thurgaiamman Temple and the parish priest of the Church of Infant Jesus, Rev.Fr Annathas, and several members of the clergy.

A Tamil short story writer, Mr. Kanagasabai Thevakadachcham, also spoke at the event.




A play being staged against war.

 

Email this article      Print this article      Feedback on this article