The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka has issued a statement addressing several key issues affecting justice, peace and reconciliation in the country.
The statement was issued following the Conference’s Plenary Assembly, held from August 18 to 20. In the statement, the Bishops expressed their views on a range of issues, including human rights, past incidents, environmental protection and social justice.
About the human remains discovered at mass grave sites in the Jaffna Peninsula, the Bishops’ Conference stressed the need for impartial and transparent investigations. The Bishops particularly called for the excavation of the Chemmani mass grave to be completed without further delay, urging that the truth be brought to light and accountability ensured.
The Bishops also emphasized the need to establish the truth and take appropriate action concerning acts of terrorism and massacres that occurred during the three-decade-long civil war and in the years preceding it.
Meanwhile, the Bishops called on the Government not to further expand wind power projects in Mannar following the establishment of existing wind power facilities in the area. They stressed that local communities must be consulted before implementing any development project, while measures should be taken to protect the livelihoods of fishermen and safeguard the environment.
The Bishops’ Conference also called on the Government to properly implement the court ruling concerning compensation for the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster and to take immediate measures to protect the Muthurajawela Wetland.
The statement reiterates the Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s call for truth, justice, accountability, meaningful consultation with affected communities and the protection of Sri Lanka’s environment in the pursuit of lasting peace and reconciliation.
