Nayakakanda parish on peace mission

Rev Fr. Mahendra Gunatilake
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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
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