Permanent peace must become reality - Bishop Swampillai

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 01 January 2003, 07:39 GMT]
"We are witnessing the dawn of New Year with renewed hope. My fervent hope is that all sides will work with a sense of reconciliation and understanding to resolve issues affecting all communities and work towards establishing permanent peace in this country," said Batticaloa-Trincomalee district bishop Rev. Father Kingsley Swampillai in his new year message.

Bishop added that he is encouraged by the progress that has been made in the peace talks with the support of international community. "Issues that affected the minority communities all these years are finally being addressed. This gives all of us hope for the future. Although we can see some sections of the society trying to undermine the peace efforts, all of us should join our hands to strengthen the peace process," said the Bishop.

While stressing the need for a radical change in the mindset of all to achieve lasting peace, the Bishop admonished the President to rise above party politics to take actions that benefit the country.

Bishop also said that while the Liberation Tigers have accepted the need of the Muslim community to preserve their culture and identity, Muslim people should be careful not to lose the opportunity due to internal selfish politics.

Bishop called upon all parties including the ex-militants within the Tamil community to use their wisdom and political statesmanship to support the peace process during this historic period. Bishop in his prayers he seeks the blessings of god for those who are engaged in promoting peace to work with determination, patience, understanding and with a sense of justice.