Latest Link Adventures

Many thanks to all those who have accommodated us and allowed us the privilege of visiting churches and homes.
We are still trying to get funding and are hoping for a decision later on today about our future journey back to SL. Please keep us in your prayers.

More pics of link visits including Shemil and the flag at St Cuthbert's, Cheadle, Manchester and myself, Shemil and the Vicar, The Revd Stephen Leader of St James' Enfield Highway, London.

Bishop Duleep's latest Press Release

The Killing of a Religious Leader

A statement by the Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo

CEYLON 081208-1 December 5, 2008

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] The recent killing of a Hindu Priest, Sivasri Subramanyan Kamalraj of the Mariamma Kovil in Batticalao, is a tragic and senseless act and must be condemned by all persons committed to religious values and peace.

I extend the condolences of our Church to Swami Sivaraj’s wife and children and the Hindu community of the East. May God absorb and convert your sorrow into a stronger commitment to end this destructive violence that the vast majority of our people of all communities do not want .

This killing is one of a spate of recent killings of civilians, TMVP Cadres and Security personal that has spread fear, suspicion and desperation in the East. The President must take note of this totally unacceptable trend and ensure that those responsible for security will establish law and order without delay. If this is to happen effectively, Civil Society leaders of the East should be consulted. This brazen disregard for the sanctity of life must stop.

With Peace and Blessings to all

Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera
Bishop of Colombo
5th December 2008

Am I going nuts?

I've seen red squirrels, grey squirrels, squirrels in Sri Lanka, but had never come across a black squirrel until our visit to St Ippolyts in Herts.

The black blur in the tree is the squirrel... honest...

Visit to Great Wymondley & St Ippolyts

Thanks to Ann- Polly the Vicar for her hospitality and the congregations of Little Wymondley, Great Wymondley and St Ippolyts in Herts (Diocese of St Albans) for their prayers and support.

At the time of visiting St Ippolyts were hosting their 'Annual Crib display', from homes, churches and organisations around the parish. The Beavers 'Lego' nativity certainly was a little different!

(Maybe we can hunt down a Sri Lankan one for next year...)


Photos include myself and Shemil with the Church Wardens of Great Wymondley, the cribs of St Ippolyts and Shemil pointing out the cross in the wall made by a knight on horseback seeking a blessing before setting off for the Holy Island on the Crusades.

Visit to Ripon & Leeds

Despite having got a little lost round the Leeds ring road we successfully made it to the Diocesan offices of Ripon & Leeds.
We were met by the Link Officer Barbara Belsham and a wonderful group of ladies from various parishes who all have a passion for the country of Sri Lanka.