Colombo (AsiaNews) – Archbishop Oswald Gomis urged Sri Lankan Catholics to contribute to the ‘Refugee Fund – 2007’ in order to help refugees in the dioceses of the country’s north-eastern region.
“As Catholics we have always come forward to help those in distress to the best of our ability—be it [as a result of] tsunami, floods, drought or any other [disaster], irrespective of race, creed, cast or colour,” the archbishop said.
The current crisis involves over 150,000 men, women and children displaced from their homes in different parts pf the northern and eastern regions of the island nation and their plight should not be ignored.
The prelate made his appeal to the faithful so that help can be given to refugees from the dioceses of Jaffna, Trincomalee-Baticaloa and Mannar (Madhu Shrine) in their moment of crisis.
“It is not possible for us to send anything in kind such as food and clothing. However we could help them to purchase these items with our financial contributions,” he said.
Therefore, he urged the faithful to give up one meal during Holy Week and donate the saved money to the ‘Refugee Fund – 2007’ at their local parish churches or Catholic institutions. All proceeds thus raised will be sent to the aforementioned Fund at the Archbishop’s residence in Colombo.
Anyone who wishes to make a contribution directly to the Fund can do so by cheque drawn in favour of the ‘Refugee Fund – 2007’ or addressed to the Procurator General, Archbishop’s House, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka.
