Colombo (AsiaNews) – The Catholic bishops of Sri Lanka are calling for an impartial investigation into the issue of mass graves on the Jaffna Peninsula. In particular, “the excavations at Chemmani, which have already been ongoing for a long time, must be completed. This effort is necessary to ensure accountability for the alleged crimes associated with this site.”
They state this in a document addressing key issues that directly impact justice, peace, and reconciliation in the country, which the 13 bishops jointly released in recent days following their plenary session.
The excavations at Chemmani—whose third phase concluded this summer—have unearthed the remains of hundreds of people killed during the years of civil war between the Colombo army and the Tamil Tigers, in what is likely the largest of the mass graves. However, little clarity has been provided regarding those responsible for these massacres.
During the proceedings, the Bishops’ Conference also expressed concern over sand mining activities on Mannar Island, which are causing serious environmental damage. It also addressed the extensive environmental damage caused by the Express Pearl vessel and the need to comply with the court’s decision to pay the imposed compensation.
“Referring to the environmental risks arising from the ongoing reclamation of the Muthurajawela wetland through landfilling, it is necessary to address these issues, and the necessary measures must be taken to ensure the conservation of the Muthurajawela wetland against dangerous development plans,” the statement reads.
“Before any development activity of this kind, adequate consultation should be conducted to ascertain local public opinion. The livelihood of the fishing community and the water resources of Mannar Island should not be compromised by such activity, so that the rights and dignity of the people are safeguarded,” the bishops write.
“While the population is troubled by this ecologically harmful activity,” the statement continues, “the CBCSL has also received information regarding drilling in the areas surrounding Mannar Island for oil and gas exploration. These could be positive initiatives for economic development. However, it is the duty of those in charge to conduct adequate environmental assessments in a transparent manner and to make the public aware of such projects.”
On these and other issues, on September 10, the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, met with President Anura Kumara. Particular attention was given to the government’s program to strengthen coexistence, peace, and reconciliation among all communities in the country and to ensure national unity by preventing any form of racially or religiously motivated hate speech. The progress of the investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks was also discussed at length, as were measures that could be taken to prevent environmental damage and destruction that affect people’s lives.
