Prayers for peace held in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 21 February 2006, 12:10 GMT]
"In the forthcoming Geneva talks the Sri Lanka Government should participate with a genuine desire to make compromises opening opportunities to arrive at a just and fair solution to the existential problems faced by the Tamil people," said Bishop of Jaffna Rev Fr Thomas Saundaranayagam speaking at one of the several events held in Jaffna today praying for peace, sources in Jaffna said.

Saying that "The alarming rise in the Sinhala-Buddhist fundamentalism in the South was central to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka's multicultural society," the Bishop urged the Sri Lanka Government that while taking decisions during the discussions. to be cognizant of the destructive history of the past and to recognize that Geneva talks could potentially be the last opportunity to move towards peace.

"While the Tamil people stand behind the Liberation Tigers in their struggle for their right to self-determination, I urge the leaders of Liberation Tigers that while they apply themselves fully in the discussions resolve the Tamil National question, to think of the enormous hardships being endured by the people in the NorthEast," the Bishop said.

Multi-religious events were held throughout the day in Temples, churches, mosques and Jaffna Buddhist temple in Jaffna, sources said. Temples bell rang and students participated in large numbers in the prayers.

In an event held at the Traders Union in Manipay road at 2.30 p.m. led by president of Human Welfare Consorium, Mr Paramanathan, peace lamps were lit and religious leaders expressed their blessings for peace talks to be successful.