Nayakakanda parish on peace mission

The parish community of St. Mary's Church, Nayakakanda will embark on a journey to strengthen relations with the community of St. Joseph's Church at Kulumurippu, Mullaitivu on December 6 and 7. The theme of the mission is ‘A meaningful dialogue for reconciliation and peace'.

Parish Priest of St. Mary's Church Rev. Fr. Mahendra Gunatilake said the parishioners decided to set out on this journey at an appropriate time when extremist elements are at a peak in the country and added that a dialogue between the North and the South will help build peace and reconciliation.

“There has been a lapse in communication and interaction between the people from the North and the South for several years.

“A mission of sharing with the parish community in Mullaitivu will help re-build trust and friendship among people”, Fr. Gunatilake said.

The parishioners of Nayakakanda will set up a medical camp for around 300 families and share meals with the community at Kulumurippu.

“We will lay the foundation for a church and provide gift packs comprising kitchen utensils, stationery for schoolchildren, dry rations and household items for the families in the parish,” Fr. Gunatilake said. He said this will be an ongoing mission to share with the brethren in the North and build relations with the rest of the country.

Parish Priest of St. Joseph's Church Rev. Fr. K. Vincent said he welcomes the parish community of Nayakakanda which has decided to celebrate Christmas with the community in Kulumurippu who are going through immense hardships. A goodwill gesture of this nature will make a big difference in rebuilding trust and friendship between the North and the South, he said.

- LF