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| Sunday, 19 December 2004 |
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Christmas ushers peace and goodwill for all A message to the nation from the Rt. Revd. Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo I wish all our people of all communities peace and goodwill at Christmas. This is the message that accompanied the birth of Christ. Christmas is the festival of the divine finding space in human affairs. Paradoxically this was done through Christ the fully human, who lived in complete harmony with the will of God. His message proclaimed Just space for all under Gods Reign, but through self scrutiny and change. Ever since and certainly in our contemporary challenging times, Christmas calls us to review this parallel thrust that will eventually bring peace and good will to all. Good Governance and Accountability: Consequently I must request our political leaders and specially those in Parliament to establish space for law, order and good governance in a fast deteriorating situation. You should rise above trivialities and work together. Standards of integrity, discipline, simplicity and self denial must come from you. We should all carefully assess the emerging pressure to re-activate the death penalty in the light of studies and developments in other countries. Professionals and other knowledgeable persons should be consulted. Judicial killing is no guarantee of justice and a safer world, and justice and order can be established without judicial killings. I call upon the LTTE to create space for all within the regions you influence either directly or indirectly, to be able to live and interact with freedom and dignity. Parents of young children and children themselves must be assured of this space. Those with different points of view but who also share the same passion for the rights and dignity of the Tamil people and who similarly yearn for political space for the Tamils must also be assured of this space. All persons in positions of responsibility in Civil Society, the State and the Private sector must rediscover and reaffirm space for a healthy work ethic and sustainable development for all. This is a sacred trust we hold and cannot be taken lightly. To exercise this in today's social climate will require the highest discipline and much courage. To do so will reveal strength of character and enable us to live with our conscience. Many of us will have to learn and relearn new lessons and face opposition. |
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