Pope appeals on behalf of Sri Lanka

Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI commenting on the current situation in Sri Lanka called upon the international community to strive to meet the humanitarian and economic needs of Sri Lanka.

"We note with satisfaction the efforts being made by the authorities over recent weeks, to facilitate the return home of people displaced by the war" I strongly encourage an acceleration in this process and ask all citizens to work towards rapid pacification in full respect for human rights.

"Work towards a just political solution to the challenges still facing the country," he said in his appeal made after an inter-religious delegation from Sri Lanka had an audience with him last week.

"I trust, moreover, that the international community will strive to meet the humanitarian and economic needs of Sri Lanka and I raise my prayers to Our Lady of Madhu, that she may continue to watch over that beloved land," the Holy Father said.

The delegation comprised Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya Chief incumbent and Sri Jayawardenapura University Chancellor Most Ven. Bellanwila Wimalaratna Nayaka Thera, His Grace the Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Malcolm Ranjith, Vidyalankara Pirivena Chief Incumbent and Sabaragamuwa University Chancellor Most Ven. Prof. Kumburugamuwe Vajira Nayake Thera, Ihsaniyyah Arabic College Director General and Coordinating Secretary to the President on Muslim Religious Affairs Mohamed Niyaz Moulavi, Hindu Community Chief Priest and Advisor on Hindu Affairs to the Ministry of Education Most Rev. Brahma Sri Kuhananda Sharma, and Caritas Sri Lanka Director Very Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando the European Union.

Courtesy: Vatican Information News