by Melani Manel Perera

The Bishops' Conference lists main abuses. They include violence against prison inmates that often end in murder, bad educational policies, and the intimidation of farmers. This is causing a "sense of loss in terms of human and religious values" in society.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - In a communiqué, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka (CBCSL) has condemned various forms of abuses. The latter include violence against prison inmates that often leads to hospitalisation, even death; threats and reprisals against farmers who do not supply enough rice and (failed) reforms that undercut the educational system. For the CBCSL, the government and competent authorities must find a political solution to the country's problems and ensure human rights for all its citizens. The press release was signed by CBCSL president, Card Malcolm Ranjith, and CBCSL Secretary General, Mgr Norbert M. Andradi.

"Such abuses create a sense of loss in terms of human and religious values in Sri Lankan society," the bishops' statement said. What is happening in the nation's prisons is first and foremost "a violation of international laws, which requires that prisoners be treated with dignity and that their safety must ensured."

What is more, "According to Christian faith all human beings are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis, 1:27). Hence, they must be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

For the CBCSL, what is happening to the country's educational system is equally worrisome. For two months, professors and teachers have been demanding more rights and greater freedom. The authorities have responded instead by closing all universities (except for faculties of medicine) and escalating the confrontation.

"The government must deal with the issues raised by the professors without delay because Sri Lanka's young people are paying the price," the bishops lamented.

What is happening to some farmers in the North Central Province is also cause for "deep concern" to the CBCSL. Because of late monsoon rains, rice farmers have not been able to meet established targets, and for this, they have been intimidated.

The communiqué ends with a final appeal. "The government must work towards a political solution. After all it went through in the past, this nation needs a lasting peace."

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• farmers