24 April 2019 12:00 am
Easter is celebrated as a day of hope, life and end to violence. But this Easter day has been marred by violence and death on a large scale. We categorically condemn the brutal Easter Sunday attacks on churches and hotels around Sri Lanka. We convey our deepest sympathies and stand in solidarity with the families that have lost their loved ones, those injured and all those who have been traumatised and made distraught by the attacks.
Even as we mourn those killed on Easter Sunday, we remember all those who were lost during the war that ended ten years ago. In looking back at our tragic past, we also confront our own ambivalence to our attitude to violence and aggression towards our so-called enemies. Never again should we waver in rejecting the violence of any actor that takes innocent lives.
In condemning the Easter Sunday attacks, we resolve to put ‘life’ before any agenda. We appeal to all our fellow citizens to stand for a life for all communities that are free from fear, repression and violence. We will never place any responsibility on our brothers and sisters of any community for the dastardly and cruel acts of a few.
We must reject all those who seek social, economic, religious and political gain from this tragedy. We call for patience and peace as the truth about these heinous crimes emerges and justice is served. We demand measures to ensure the protection of vulnerable communities so that there are no riots or acts of violence against any particular community.
Our grief is never a call for retribution. Our grief is a call for coexistence.
Signatories:
1.Ven. Fr. Samuel J. Ponniah Archdeacon of Jaffna, Church of Ceylon (Anglican Church)
2.Very Rev. Fr. P. J. Jebaratnam Vicar General Catholic Church
3. Rev. Dr. K.J. Arulrajah Superintendent Minister – Methodist Church
4. Rev. J.E. Jeyaseelan Roman Catholic Church
5. Rev. Dr. Vincent Patrick, OMI Catholic Church