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by Sarath Malalasekera

"The creation of the new Ministry of Christian Affairs is a sequel to a deliberate policy decision of the Government and meets a long-felt need for which several Christian organisations spearheaded by the Catholic Church has been agitating for a considerable period of time," said Interior and Christian Affairs Ministry Secretary M.N. Junaid at the Chritian Affairs Ministry Web site launching ceremony held at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo recently.

Interior and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunge was the chief guest. Most Rev. Dr. Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop and Adjunct Secretary Congregation for the Evangelization of People and Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis, Archbishop of Colombo also addressed the distinguished gathering at the launching ceremony.

Though a Department of Christian Affairs had been existing since 1997, first under the Ministry of Cultural and Religious Affairs and later under the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs as well as under the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2000, it is for the first time that a separate Ministry came into being on November 15, 2002. A separate office for the Ministry of Christain Affairs was opened on March 3, 2003 at D.S. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 8.

Minister John Amaratunge, not only hails from a Catholic electorate but has also been brought up and educated according to true Christian values and traditions. Minister Amaratunge is eminently suited to handle the new portfolio, the Ministry secretary said. He emphasised that the Minister's close association with leaders of the Catholic Church and Christian organisations and interaction with them over the years will no doubt facilitate the realisation of the objectives of setting up of the new Ministry.

"You will no doubt naturally have apprehensions about a Muslim Secretary being in charge of the Ministry of Chritian Affairs.

But I assure you that this no way hinders my commitment in working towards the welfare of the Chritian community. In fact, being a non-Christian provides that added zeal to work towards our vision of working for the welfare of Christians," Secretary Junaid said.

The launch of the Web site of the Ministry of Christian Affairs provides an insight into the activities and srvices of the Ministry. It is in keeping with the Government's e-Sri Lanka policy in providing information useful to the public regarding state activities and programmes. Though the Web site initially has only the basic information material, it will be updated to include more data as time goes on, Ministry secretary added.

In a multi religious and multi racial country like Sri Lanka inter racial and inter religious harmony is essential for maintaining peace and development. Sri Lanka's constitution guarantees freedom of worship and it is in this spirit that the activities of the Ministry of Christian Affairs is conducted, the secretary said.

Minister Amaratunge though he is a Catholic is known for his steadfast adherence for racial and religious harmony and is well-known for his patronage and assistance to Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim religious activities as well.

Advisor to the Minister of Interior and Chritian Affairs S. Somasundaram made a presentation of the Web site.

Ministry of Chritian Affairs Additional Secretary Ms. Rose Fernando delivered the vote of thanks.

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