Catholic Bishops condemn Kebithigollewa attack

The Catholic Bishops' Conference issued a statement on the Kebithigollewa attack.

"We are greatly distressed by the shocking attack on innocent civilians in Kebithigollewa, resulting in the loss of 64 lives and many more injured" the statement said.

"It is unbelievable that a group of unsuspecting civilians should have been the target of this terrorist attack. We vehemently condemn this atrocity.

We appeal once again in the name of our country and its people to stop this meaningless violence and return to the Negotiating Table to work for lasting peace in our country", it added.

"Violence can never create the atmosphere conductive to building up of mutual trust and understanding. Stop the violence and the destruction of precious human beings and return to the Negotiating Table is our heart's cry and prayer," it further added.

The statement has been signed by Bishop Vianney Fernando, President of the Catholic Bishop Conference in Sri Lanka and Bishop Marius Peiris, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Conference in Sri Lanka.