Human rights activists, Christian organizations, Catholic priests, and religious have jointly expressed deep concern over remarks made by Rev. Fr. Jude Chrishantha, National Director of the Catholic Commission for Mass Media and Social Communications, in response to comments by Rev. Fr. Jeewantha Peiris on the Tamil genocide, ethnic conflict, and Sri Lanka’s civil war.
In their statement, the signatories said describing the conflict as a “war against terrorism” overlooks the historical suffering of the Tamil people, including decades of discrimination, violence, and ongoing demands for truth and justice. They added that deaths of civilians, enforced disappearances, and unresolved wartime abuses must not be ignored.
The group argued that political and military policies since 1948 indicate a long-standing process of structural oppression, citing the Sinhala Only Act, standardization in education, state settlement schemes, anti-Tamil violence, the burning of the Jaffna Public Library, killings of political prisoners, and attacks on peaceful protests.
They further referred to the Northern Provincial Council’s 2015 resolution, the North-East Bishops’ Council statement of 2022, and recent declarations by clergy in the North and East, stating these reflect the view that a genocidal process culminated in Mullivaikkal.
The statement also highlighted wartime impacts on the Church, including the disappearance of Rev. Fr. Francis Joseph after surrender, the deaths of other clergy, and attacks on churches in Navaly, Gurunagar, Allaipiddy, and Pesalai.
Describing Fr. Peiris’ remarks as a courageous expression of solidarity with Tamil suffering and aspirations, the group said they would stand with him in the face of any pressure or reprisals.
They called on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka to take a clear position that acknowledges affected communities and promotes dialogue among Tamil and Sinhala Catholics for truth, justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace.
