Sri Lanka rejects Christmas ceasefire plea

Despite a fervent appeal by Catholic and Anglican bishops for a ceasefire during the Christmas and New Year season the Sri Lankan government announced it will not declare a ceasefire during the festive period and vowed to continue with the offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Thomas Savundranayagam, the Catholic Bishop of Jaffna, Rayappa Joseph, Catholic Bishop of Mannar, Norbert Andradi, Catholic Bishop of Anuradhapura, Kumara Ilangasinghe, Anglican Bishop of Kurunegala and Duleep de Chickera, Anglican Bishop of Colombo requested a period free from military action that would in turn benefit the civilians. 

"We are now approaching Christmas, a world festival of peace. At this time many Christians and even persons of other faiths will be encouraged by the birth of Christ, the Prince of Peace, to review and strengthen relationships," in a statement released on Wednesday December 17.

"It is consequently expected that family ties will be renewed, communities will gather for fellowship, strangers will be welcomed, the marginalized included and the oppressed set free.

"Where relationships are strained or hostile it is expected that dividing walls will come down and healing will take place through forgiveness and reconciliation."

The peace would bring "immense relief" to civilians in LTTE controlled areas, the bishops said.

"It will also enable the Christians of these areas to worship and engage in their religious practices with less anxiety, as well as bring some respite to the war weary soldiers and cadres and some peace of mind to their parents and loved ones."

The bishops further contended a ceasefire “initiative will be seen the world over as a sign of political maturity and generosity” and called on the government to take the lead in making the truce.

However, the government responded to the Bishops appeal stating it would declare a ceasefire only if the LTTE laid down its arms.

"The government has categorically said that it will go in for a ceasefire only if the Tigers lay down their arms. Till then there will be no decision of a ceasefire," Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) Director Lakshman Hulugalla told Sri Lankan media.

The bishops also appealed to both parties to "seriously consider" establishing safe zones for civilians, advising that religious leaders may help such a process.