Colombo (AsiaNews) - Catholics of Sri Lanka should play an active role, along with other religious communities, in creating a united country, giving space and respect to different ethnicities, faiths and political organizations. This is the appeal launched by Mgr. Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, during the annual awards ceremony at the St. Joseph College in the capital, held on 26 February. Addressing Catholics, the bishop sought to strengthen the "fidelity to Mother Lanka" and pray that through her intercession, people may experience a "true religious and national revival."

Archbishop Ranjith (pictured) urged the faithful to work to create a "spirit of unity, reconciliation and heal the country." Sri Lanka has just left behind three decades of civil war and the disputed elections of last January, which confirmed the presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa and led to the arrest of the main challenger, General Sarath Fonseka.  

"The executive, legislative and judicial authorities - said the prelate - must ensure law and order, justice and the true practice of democracy and freedom." Reviewing 30 years of civil war between the army of Colombo and the rebels of the Tamil Tigers (LTTE), which caused hundreds of thousands of refugees, Msgr. Ranjith has called for the  “lands to be returned to the original inhabitants” and hopes that the Tamil community "feels part of the nation."

Turning finally to students and parents of Catholic school, the Archbishop of Colombo reminded fathers and mothers they "are not owners of their children”, but only their guardians and are called to guide "them on the journey of life".  Parents are supported by the role of Catholic schools, in "nourishing the faith" of every student, concluded Msgr. Ranjith, and every effort is made to "lead the child toward sanctity of life in total communion with God."