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PM gave priority to solve ethnic problem

by Jaffna special correspondent

The Bishop of Jaffna Rt. Rev. Savundranayagam said in his Easter message to the readers of the Daily News that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe gave priority to solve the ethnic problem from the time he assumed office, fearless of any opposition.

The message said:

'As we prepare to celebrate the Easter of the year 2002 our hearts overflow with feelings of joy fulfilment and freedom.

'Lord Jesus Christ, through the bitter experiences of his passion and death reached the glorified state of resurrection. He has taught us that it is through our sufferings and sorrow that we can attain freedom and salvation. We can say that the Easter of this year has made it come true for us.

'We have repeatedly emphasised that a just and permanent solution to our ethnic problem can only be reached through the mediation of a third party.

'We pray to Almighty God that the peace efforts started recently with the mediation of a third party will culminate in a successful solution without any hindrance or obstacle.

'We should be grateful to all those who have worked dedicatedly for the signing of the memorandum of understanding for normalcy in the life of the Tamil people and for the dawn of peace.

'The Tamil people will be ever grateful for the initial efforts taken by the Norwegian government, its mediator Eric Solheim and the Ambassador for Norway Jon Westborg.

'The Leader of the LTTE V. Prabakaran, who in the midst of a prolonged war and terrible destruction, had sacrificed the lives of many militants and civilians has consented to cooperate in this peace effort.

'If they succeed in bringing about a permanent peace settlement there is no doubt that their names will go down in history.

'We also have a message for Her Excellency President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. She was born of an illustrious family of politicians Her father and mother have been Prime Ministers of this country. We hope that she would solve the ethnic problem.

'The President is the first Sinhalese leader to accede that the Tamil people have been wronged and that the wrong must be righted. We kindly request her not to let her name be further tarnished by obstructing the present peace talks.

'We call upon her, as the Executive President of the country, to cooperate with responsibility and understanding in the peace efforts and help to find a permanent solution to this long standing issue during her term of office.

'This is the time for the Opposition and the other political parties including the radicals, to realise that the Opposition is not there merely to oppose and act accordingly. I invite them to forget all political differences and enmities and devote themselves to finding a lasting solution. History will never forget that you too had a share in the peace process.

'It is to be commended that some responsible leaders among the Buddhist clergy are raising their voices in the cause of peace.

'It is you who can bring to fullness this quest for peace. Don't forget that by opposing this or confusing issues you are bringing death and destruction not only to the Tamils but to the Sinhalese as well. While thanking certain political parties and members of the Buddhist clergy who have lent their full cooperation towards a political solution of this problem I appeal to the others in the name of both communities not to disrupt this effort.

'The people certainly welcome the arrival of the LTTE among their midst. You have made the supreme sacrifice for a common cause. But it is true that there is a certain doubt and fear in people's minds as to what life will be like after your return.

'I appeal to you to approach with sympathy the people who have undergone severe trials and tribulations to the greater part of their lives being deprived of facilities and opportunities. When you impose security, law and order please make provisions for private enterprise, doing away with unnecessary rules and levies and pave the way for all to live together in unity.

'Do not discard other Tamil leaders and parties that have been involved in the freedom struggle. I request to take them also into consideration.

'The MPs who represent the Tamil people too have a great responsibility at the present moment. We ask them to use their parliamentary position unitedly, bearing in mind that it is more important to fulfil the people's long-time aspirations than to safeguard the interests of their parties.

'It was unfortunate that Muslims were expelled from the North. It is regrettable that their homes and residences have been abandoned and fallen into ruin. It is now felt that their displacement was a big mistake in history. We call upon all people concerned to make it possible for them to return to their homes and make a living, to rectify the injustice done to them.

'The newspapers have a special role to play in today's milieu. Their work is a very important one. It is said that the press has the power to make or mar. So in keeping with the ethical code of the press please make it a point to work for what is good and avoid publishing anything that would confuse people or create problems.

'Catholics and Hindus have always lived together in amity on this soil. It is a fact that the good relationship that the Catholics had with the Hindus was deeper than the relationship and trust that they had with Christians of other denominations.

'Though Catholics are a minority here they too have equal rights.

'The youth who are to build the society of tomorrow too have a calling. The future of our land depends on you. At your age you have courage and enthusiasm. Safeguard the energies of your youth through discipline. Act with responsibility in the awareness that you are the leaders of tomorrow. It is your duty to safeguard and foster our unique cultural traditions and also to see that negative influences and alien cultures do not devastate.

'For a long time we have kept up your hopes for peace through our messages and prayers. Have no fear, we know you are searching for the crucified Christ". (Mt. 28.5.6) Let us go on with our life in the belief that He was raised to life as He had said. We wish you a Happy Easter. May hope shine forth in the resurrection of Christ" the Bishop's message said.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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