The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka is deeply distressed at the significant escalation in Inter-Religious tensions which have lead to the loss of life and damage to property.
We appeal to all Peace-Loving Citizens in this country to take into consideration the heavy price we have paid for nearly three decades of war and violence and to work towards the peaceful resolution of the issues that are causing these acts of violence which are not in line with the righteous principles upon which this country is founded.
We appeal to all Political Parties and other formations to act with restraint and not to contribute further to the destabilisation of an already fragile Government, causing greater harm to the economy of the country and ultimately negatively affecting the poorer sections of our people.
We appeal to all Law Enforcement Authorities to act without partiality and to consider their paramount duty is to ensure the security of every citizen of the country and to maintain law and order.
We appeal to all Religious Leaders to act together, sustained by our spiritual resources, to collectively work towards resolving all the fear, hatred and suspicion that arises at a time like this.
The Council reiterates its ongoing commitment to work with any and all Religious groups as we seek to collectively restore peace and harmony for every citizen of this country.
Signed
Rt. Rev. D.R. Canagasabey – Chairperson of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka, and Bishop of Colombo, Church of Ceylon, Diocese of Colombo
Rev. Saman Perera and President, Presbytery of Lanka
Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel S. Thiagarajah, Bishop of Jaffna Diocese, Church of South India
Rev. Asiri P. Perera, President/Bishop, Methodist Church of Sri Lanka
Rev. Heshan De Silva President, Sri Lanka Baptist Sangamaya
Rt. Rev. Keerthisiri Fernando – Bishop of the Church of Ceylon , Diocese of Kurunegala
Rev. Shirley Faber, President, Christian Reformed Church
Colonel Yousaf Masiah ,Territorial Commander, The Salvation Army
Rev. G. Nadarajah, President, Lanka Lutheran Church
Rev. Michael Dissanayake, General Superintendent and Chairman, Assemblies of God of Ceylon
Rev. Leslie Keegal, President, Church of the Four Square Gospel Church in Sri Lanka.
Rev. W.P. Ebenezer Joseph, General Secretary, National Christian Council of Sri Lanka
Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)
Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)
Student Christian Movement (SCM)
The Ceylon Bible Society
Christian Literature Society
Theological College of Lanka.
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