Violence not the answer to seek redress: Church of Ceylon

The Church of Ceylon in a message to mark the anniversary of the conclusion of the civil conflict in Sri Lanka has stressed that violence in any form is not the answer to seek redress.

The message signed by Bishop of Colombo Rt Rev Dushantha Rodrigo and Bishop of Kurunegala Keerthisiri Fernando called to work with commitment and resolution to promote peace, justice and reconciliation.

The text of the message follows:

“As we mark the anniversary of the conclusion of the civil war in Sri Lanaka, we mourn for those who lost their lives as a result of this protracted conflict. We remember in our prayers all the sons and daughters of Sri Lanka from all ethnic religious communities, combatants and civilians who died. We also pray for the families killed and still missing in action, those who have been maimed and wounded in the mind and body, those who have been made destitute and displaced, the war-affected women and children, those detained without due process and all those seeking truth and justice.

“Let the final days of the war be a grim reminder for all Sri Lankans that we have an obligation to uphold ideals of freedom, equality and justice for all our brothers and sisters that violence in any form is not the answer to seek redress for our problems may be fervent in our resolve to rid our country of the hatred, discrimination, prejudice and to work with commitment and resolution to promote peace, justice and reconciliation.”