Rev Fr Nicholaspillai Packiyaranjith: Statement by Consortium of NGOO, Mannar
September 29th, 2007
Brothers and Sisters
We, the humanitarian community of Mannar, are deeply distressed by the assassination of a beloved and respected member of our community, the Rev Fr Nicholaspillai Packiyaranjith; Director, JRS. This tragic and dehumanizing assassination took place while he was performing his duties under challenging conditions, in order to bring relief to the recently displaced communities of the Manthai West and Madhu divisions. He has always been a model to emulate, and his passion for service has indeed been a consistent source of inspiration to our society. His inclusive outlook earned the deep respect of all segments of the Mannar society irrespective of creed, caste and ethnicity.
We would like to express the following on behalf the humanitarian community in Mannar:
1) Our heart felt sympathies to his family, JRS colleagues and the Roman Catholic Community at large
2) We resolve to boldly follow in the footsteps of Rev. Fr. Ranjith to bring relief and support to communities in need even in this high risk environment. We will not deterred by these acts of violence to fulfill our humanitarian mandate.
3) We believe Fr Ranjith’s reaction to his killers would have been in the spirit of his master Jesus Christ who said while hanging on the cross before his death “Father forgive them as they do not know what they are doing” . In the same spirit we forgive our beloved friends killers whoever they may be.
4) We call upon the killers to explain the purpose of this killing so that together we may find a way forward to avoid these types of murder and resolve our conflicts mutually and non-violently in order to maintain the space for humanitarian work during these difficult times.
5) We call upon on all stakeholders to respect the work of humanitarian workers and create an atmosphere where humanitarian work can be carried out without any hindrances and threats.
6) In turn, we humanitarians resolve that we will do our utmost to remain independent and not become a party to the prevailing armed conflict.
7) The need of the hour in Sri Lanka is saving lives together. This reckless killing brings home the need to recover from the disastrous path of violently resolving of our differences. Instead each and every one of us must extend the hand of brotherhood to fellow men and solve the issues in a peaceful, humane manner. In conclusion, it is vital that we remember that peace is never achieved by violence; and hence we must strive for peace by non-violent means.
CONSORTIUM OF NGOO MANNAR
MANNAR DISTRICT.
Field Lane, Sinnakkadai, Mannar.
Fax/Tel: 0602232062 Date: 29/09/2007
[Pictures Courtesy: Puthinam]
Entry Filed under: Press Statement
4 Comments Add your own
1. A.Rajasingam | September 29th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
It is very difficult to explain to the Sri Lankan Forces. Atleast the world will come to know about the human violations and protection is inadequate for people engaged in humanitarian services to mankind. President Mahinda Rajapakse must send a message of condolence and codemn this treacherous act. It is time the President address his mind to the needs of the displaced people instead of stepping up military operations blindly. I think the Consortium of NGOO, Mannar have a perfect statement which should touch the hearts of the people in the rest of the country other than North-East Province. May his soul rest in peace.
2. Naga UK | September 30th, 2007 at 10:37 am
As a person who lived in these areas coming face to face with realities of the war I appreciate the services of the Christian Clergy that had rendered yeomen service to the sufferring population of the noth-east, eventhough I am a Hindu. My hearfelt condolence to the prelate.
3. Paul-R. Lavigne | October 1st, 2007 at 11:31 am
May our dear friend, Father Nicholaspillai Packiyareangith priest for the Diocese of Mannar, rest in PEACE. R.I.P.
From Canada we are so sad of this terrible tragedy.
Our prayers for PEACE in Sri Lanka.
Paul-R. Lavigne
4. ilaya seran senguttuven | October 6th, 2007 at 8:43 am
Fr Packiyaranjith is the last (as of date) in the long line of religious workers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of people of all communities in the war ravaged North East, the traditional land of the Tamils of Sri Lanka. He knew he was placing his life at risk in the environment he was functioning in - but, to wonderful men like him, his life means less to him - noble son - than those of other innocents he has chosen to serve. But those who took his life so brutally know what they were doing and felt very little remorse in the killing. Snuffing away the life of a Tamil is routine to many in uniform in that part of the world is routine. His family are unlikely to get justice, going by what happened to other families in similar plight. The justice for the Tamils in this country can only come from above - and it will. Though a Tamil I salute this fine human being and I know there are hundreds more of Packiyaranjith’s in the North East Province waiting to take over - in the call of justice and humanity. They make the human species proud.
Leave a Comment
Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed