Colombo(AsiaNews) –Sri Lankaand its people face an extremely uncertain future but as Christmas draws near, “it is necessary to keep praying and to hope for a tomorrow of peace.” The apostolic nuncio of formerCeylon, Mgr Mario Zenari, still believes the country can regain peace and serenity after witnessing the devastation of the tsunami, the murder at Christmas of a Catholic politician in Batticaloa Cathedral and the resumption of civil war in the north-east. TheVaticandiplomat said: “The heart of the problem is that radical change is needed, a conversion of hearts of all those concerned in this painful conflict, including us Christians.”
AsiaNews interviewed the nuncio upon his return from a visit toJaffna(6 – 7 December), where civilians are gripped by a severe humanitarian crisis, caught in crossfire between the army and separatist guerrillas. “I had only a 24-hour stay inJaffna. My intention was to communicate my solidarity and I was able to go thanks to a chartered flight arranged by UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees],” said Mgr Zenari. As soon as he arrived, the nuncio met the local bishop, Mgr Thomas Savundaranayagam, and priests of the diocese, who told him about the tragic situation facing the people.
On the morning of 7 December, theVaticandelegate celebrated a “beautiful” mass with the bishop. “During the Eucharistic celebration, I invited the religious present to experience and communicate the compassion of Jesus to all our brothers and sisters inSri Lanka, to see and love our neighbour with the eyes of Jesus… With all our charity and relief works we must continue to express our deep love for others by emphasizing human value and dignity.”
Mgr Zenari said: “What the country really needs is a true and profound conversion of hearts of all, including us Christians.”
During his visit, the nuncio met the wife of Vimalathas, the man who disappeared in August near a military checkpoint in Allaipiddy together with a Catholic priest, Fr Jim Brown. When the nuncio went toRomelast September, he brought the disappearance of the two men to the attention of the pope. “The pontiff expressed alarm at the news and when he heard about the numerous other cases of human rights violations inSri Lanka,” he said. Together with Mgr Savundaranayagam, the nuncio is committed to urging the government to shed light on the case of Fr Jim.
When he returned toColomboon 8 December, Mgr Zenari participated in a meeting with other diplomats where the President of Sri Lanka explained the new directives and norms regulating national security. He added: “On this occasion, I was able to brief the president about the plight of the Tamil people in the north-east.”
