Quick Look

Scholar priest Fr.Don Peter no more

Well Known Catholic scholar and Educationist and historian Rev. Fr.W.L.A. Don Peter passed away yesterday. A colossus among the Catholic clergy and a respected academician who initiated many path breaking reforms affecting Catholic Education. He was 92 at the time of death.

Born on September 25,1916 at Kondegamulla, Katana following a brilliant academic career at Maris Stella College, he entered St. Aloysius Seminary in 1935. He later had his education at St. Joseph's College, Colombo and priestly formation at St.Bernard's Seminary and was ordained priest on March 25,1941 by Dr.Rev.J.M.Masson, the then Archbishop of Colombo.

He was sent for higher studies abroad by the then Archbishop Rev.Thomas Coorey. Fr. Don Peter studied Missiology for one year at the Urbanian University taking up his residence at the College of St.Peter, the Apostle in Rome.

in 1951, Fr. Don Peter won his PhD presenting his thesis themed "A Comparative Study of Buddhism and Christianity at the University of London. In 1961, Rev. Fr. Don Peter was appointed the Rector of St. Joseph's College, Colombo. In 1967, he was appointed domestic prelate to the Papal Throne with the title Right Reverend Monsignor by Pope John Paul Sixth in recognition of his service to Catholic education.

He was appointed Rector of Aquinas College of Higher Studies, a prominent Catholic educational institute in Sri Lanka.

He spent the final years of his life at "Piyasevana" Thewatta where he passed away.

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Canadian intervention sought to help Tamils under LTTE threat

The Sri Lankan Consul General in Toronto, Bandula Jayasekera has sought the intervention of Canada's Shadow Foreign Minister Robert (Bob) Keith Rae, to help Canadian Tamils of Sri Lankan origin in the Toronto area who are harassed and threatened by the LTTE and its sympathizers. He made this call during a meeting with the Opposition Liberal Party MP in Toronto on April 21, states a Foreign Ministry press release.

The Consul General told Bob Rae that Canada should play a constructive role and work with the Sri Lankan Diaspora to effect a positive change, Rae agreed on the need to work closely with the Sri Lanka Diaspora for reconciliation between the different communities.

Jayasekera noted that it was unfortunate that the role played by some Canadian politicians had a negative impact on efforts to finding a lasting and peaceful solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka. Rae, in response stated that although the attitude of some politicians towards the Sri Lanka situation was negative, their position did not have much impact on Canadian Government policy.

He agreed with the Consul General that there was a need for pluralism within the Canadian Tamil community of Sri Lankan origin. The Consul General pointed out that the LTTE, which is a banned terrorist organization in Canada should be distinguished from the Tamil community.

Rae said that there is an ongoing debate within the Tamil community in Canada and also a greater awareness of the factual situation in Sri Lanka.

The Consul General asserted that the Government was not pursuing a military solution to the conflict and that the present military campaign in the North was meant to free the country from LTTE terrorism. He pointed out that the President and the Government of Sri Lanka are deeply committed to reaching a durable political solution, which would address the genuine grievances of minority communities in Sri Lanka, acceptable to all sections of the people.

The Canadian Shadow Foreign Minister accepted an invitation extended by the Consul General to visit Sri Lanka.

Breakwater for Ulhitiyawa

A breakwater will be built in the deep sea off Ulhitiyawa in Wennappuwa at a cost of Rs. 22 million, Coast Conservation Department Director H. N. R. Perera said.

This will facilitate anchorage facilities for fishermen in the areas. He said anchorage facilities will be available for 120 to 140 fishing craft once this facility was completed.