President, a 'Bridge-builder' - Batticaloa Bishop

The speech made by the Bishop of Batticaloa, Rt. Rev. Joseph Ponniah thanking President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the occasion of the opening of the new Church and the Feast of St. Peter the Apostle.

"I really consider it as my privilege to welcome you all for this solemn occasion of the ceremonial opening of the new Church and the Feast of St. Peter the Apostle.

"Your Excellency, the people of Vakarai and my entire Diocese consider your graceful presence in this Church at this moment, as something very precious.

"Because when the disastrous tsunami destroyed the entire Eastern coast, specially this Church and the Priest's residence which were damaged, and while we were looking as to who would help us, it was your Government that came forward to rebuild this Church through the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and the Department of Christian Affairs.

"That is why we want to show our gratitude and to honour you by inviting you for the solemn opening of this new Church. It looks so beautiful. People of Vakarai and my entire diocese will be ever grateful for your generous act.

When Maj General Laal Perera who was instrumental in many things, helped me to contact you over the phone, you immediately responded. You promised that you will come, and I admire you for having kept up that promise.

"I see you as a bridge builder. It is not only that you have made easy access to travel from one place to another, but also you have brought all the communities together irrespective of their language, religion and ethnicity.

You show no partiality and you treat everyone as equal. You want everyone to be untied as one people and live in peace and harmony. We wish and pray that your dreams be realised and we assure you of our full support and cooperation.

My special thanks to all the Army officers and soldiers starting from Gen. Perera to Brigade Commander Vakarai, right from the day when we announced that we are going to have the opening and the Feast when hundreds of soldiers together with officers started planning and working day and night to bring this to completion; "My thanks to Mr. Gunawardana, Director of Christian Affairs District Secretary and Divisional Secretary, Batticaloa for their support and in a special way thank DS of Vakarai and her officers who supported till the end.

Last, but not least, I thank all the Rev. Fathers, brothers and sisters and the people of Vakarai for your cooperation and collaboration.