World Vision magazine hails ‘liberation’ of eastern province

[TamilNet, Friday, 27 July 2007, 03:31 GMT]
In an editorial in its bi-monthly magazine, the Sri Lanka section of one of the world’s largest Christian relief and development organizations this week endorsed the government’s military campaign against the Tamil Tigers. Hailing the government’s impending capture of the east the June edition of ‘Kathika,’ World Vision’s local magazine, argued: “liberating the [local] community from the clutches of terrorism will give them the freedom to resume their lives, which were severely hampered by the conflict for nearly two decades.”



“Over the last few weeks the Government has given clear indications that the East will be liberated and Provincial Council elections will be held as the first move to introduce democracy to East,” the editorial said.

“Now that the Government is on the brink of ‘clearing’ terrorism out of the Eastern Province, it is hoped that it will take the next big step in the name of humanity, which is to ‘clear’ all armed elements and provide a peaceful atmosphere for the communities to settle down,” it said.

“Although the Government managed to bring normalcy to most of the Districts in the Eastern Province, the difference between the normalcy and peace will continue to exist unless the two parties agree upon a lasting solution.”

“Normalcy may temporarily calm down the hostilities but there’s every possibility that terrorism will rise again, as it has done on numerous occasions,” the editorial warned.

“Bringing all armed elements into a democratic mainstream is a huge challenge but if the Government wins the hearts of the communities in Eastern Province by ensuring a gun-free peaceful atmosphere, things would not be difficult as it is seen to be at the moment,” the editorial suggested.

World Vision describes itself as “a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.”

“Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people,” the organisation’s website says.

“World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.”

“The heart of World Vision's work is in helping communities build stronger and healthier relationships. The absence of such relationships impoverishes communities.”