Jaffna Bishop thanks Govt

Urges LTTE to release civilians

Ananth Palakidnar

The Catholic Bishop of Jaffna Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savuntharanayagam while thanking the Government for taking care of 60,000 Internally Displaced Persons in Vavuniya, urged the LTTE to allow the remaining innocent civilians trapped in the battle hit areas to move into safer locations.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savuntharanayagam also stressed the need to stop fighting and creating a peaceful atmosphere with the dawn of Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

“Man can overcome evil and hatred by love and kindness. That is why St. Paul says the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central factor of Christian faith. As we celebrate Easter and rejoice with the Sinhala and Tamil in the New Year, we cannot forget the thousands of civilians who are languishing in the No-Fire-Zone in the Vanni.

“We are requesting both the LTTE and the Government to stop the war and allow the people to go wherever they feel safe.

“The LTTE leadership should not prevent the innocent civilians moving into safer places.The fighting with heavy weapons including artillery must be stopped at all costs.

“I thank the Government for taking care of the 60,000 innocent civilians who have escaped the war-torn areas.”

“The meaningless fighting should come to an end and I pray for happiness and safety of all during this Easter and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year,” the Bishop said.

Meanwhile, the New Year festival season has gathered momentum in the Jaffna Peninsula with sports events and cultural programs being organised on a wider scale. Certain South Indian artistes are also expected to take part in the musical show in Jaffna during the New Year celebrations.

The ITN has made arrangements to telecast New Year programs from the Palaly Army Base, sources said.