Former Bishop of Colombo has died.

Bishop Swithin Fernando, (91) a former Bishop of Colombo passed away this morning at a local hospital. He was Bishop from 1978-1987, as well as previously holding post as Archdeacon of Colombo (1971-1978)  and served as a chaplain of S. Thomas' College during his retirement (1990-1992).
He may rest in peace and rise in glory.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed.

First Woman Canon

Thought you might be interested that the Diocese of Colombo in the Church of Ceylon have appointed their first woman canon: The Revd Malini Devananda (left of pic) who was one of the first women to be priested in September 2006. She has spent the last 30 years working for the Diocesan Board of Education doing some pioneering work on the status of women and children in society and promoting inclusive language.  She also made a contribution to the recently published: "Lifting Women's Voices" prayerbook.

The good news was announced by Bishop Duleep de Chickera at the Annual Diocesan Council held in October.

Sad News

Mr Rukshan Perera (35) passed away this morning (Mon 16th Nov) after complications to do with his kidney transplantation.
His funeral will be tomorrow Tues 17th Nov at the school chapel at 12.45pm, followed by cremation at the Mt Lavinia cemetry.

Please pray for his mother and father as they grieve the loss of a much loved son.

Rukshan posed for this photo earlier in the year before his operation as he was the first person to receive communion from this set that was set over by CMS supporters in the UK.

The Lord's Prayer (in Sinhala - English script)

Ok, thought you might like to have a bash at the Lord's prayer in Sinhalese. My apologies to Sinhala speakers who spot mistakes or inaccuracies. I have also left out some of the markings for pronounciation as I am not sure how to insert into the text. Verbs come at the end of a sentence in Sinhalaese.

Swargaya veda sitinia, apage piyaneni.
Obage Shri namayate prasana wewa.
Obage Rajyaya peminiewa.
Obage kemethha swargaye men polowehida (earth) itu wewa.
Apage edineda bhojanaya (food) apata pradanaya (give)
Kala menawa apata veredi karanaayage veredi kama (forgive)sama,
karannak men apage veredida (wrongs).
Kama kala manawa poapa (sin) avasthavanta asuweemata apata ida nodhee
Ayahapathin (evil) apa muda gatha manawa.
Manda gatha rajyayada, (kingdom) balayada, mahimayada, sadahatama (forever) oba vanhsegeya.
Amen.

Bishop's Message: 'A Year of National Healing and Reconciliation'

Bishop Calls for Recognition of 2009-2010 as the Year of National Healing and Reconciliation

From the Office of the Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo

CEYLON 091016-1 October 16, 2009

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] At the Annual Sessions of the Diocese of Colombo of the (Anglican) Church of Ceylon which began on Friday 16th October 2009, the Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, the Bishop of Colombo, delivering his address to the clergy and people of his diocese, called for the displaced persons in camps to be treated with dignity and trust. "We must never forget", he said, "that they are also Sri Lankans who crossed over at the invitation of their Government to be liberated." He also urged that his church should work with all faith leaders to recognise the year 2009-2010 as the Year of National Healing and Reconciliation when all would engage in rigorous self-scrutiny and a rediscovery of inclusive behaviour; and that this process would lead to a spirituality of compassion, courage and humility in the journey of reconciliation. The Rt Revd Dr Thomas Savundranayagam, Roman Catholic Bishop of Jaffna, was the Chief Guest at the Sessions. Below are key extracts from Bishop Duleep de Chickera’s address:

A Family Separated

“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.” (1 Cor. 12:26.)

A part of our diocesan family is not represented at this Council. This is because most members of our congregations of the Vanni (over one hundred and twenty five families) are presently in camps for displaced Sri Lankans. Our efforts to arrange for some lay representation for these congregations were not successful. It is now up to us all to bear this in mind in our proceedings. Our thinking and decisions should carry the pain and responsibility of separation. I have also asked our chaplains and those who lead our Bible studies and worship to connect those who gather at Council and those who are scattered in camps, through our reflections and prayers.

Displaced Sri Lankans

The aftermath of the war created an unprecedented crisis of displacement affecting nearly 280,000 Sri Lankans. At the time of writing these persons are located in camps in the Vavuniya, Mannar, Jaffna and Trincomalee Districts. Since these tragic happenings, we have repeatedly expressed our views on the war, the future of those displaced and post-war reconciliation. The Standing Committee Report and the Report of the Board of Social Responsibility (BSR) further elaborate on our stance and ministry in these areas.

There is however, an aspect of this tragic story that needs to be highlighted. We must never forget that those who crossed over are Sri Lankans; and that they crossed over at the invitation of their Government to be liberated. Liberation for the displaced requires that they be treated with dignity and trust, that their return to their original homes and livelihoods be expedited and that they thereafter receive equal opportunities for education, development and growth. Liberation also requires that they should not be hindered or harmed by any ideology or force that might want to exploit or suppress them all over again.

Reconciliation and Healing of the Nation

The military defeat of the LTTE cannot be expected to resolve our national crisis. To the contrary it has drawn much wider attention to the need for National healing and reconciliation which has eluded us for decades. As never before we are now called to strive after that way of life, which will lead us away from deceit and violence, hold us together and nourish us as equals.

While we must be thankful that we are still a very resilient, resourceful and hospitable people, certain obstructions to healing need to be acknowledged if we are to secure abundant life for all.

Past and Current Realities

While colonisation divided us and deprived us of freedom, our post-independence history further aggravated these trends. Unimaginable violence has devalued human life and dignity. Layer upon layer of intimidation and discrimination have created deep social suspicion and antagonism. Both fear and prejudice have created an unprecedented disregard in our society for the needs and rights of our neighbour. Repeated acts of extrajudicial atrocities coupled with the absence of a fair judicial process of investigation, protection and prevention have led to an erosion of law and order and a culture of impunity. Impatience with dissent and critique has restricted the media and public opinion. In fact the crisis of police violence, serious as it is, reflects the triumph of these trends in our society much more than it does the lack of professionalism in the police force.

This destructive shift in social reality did not simply happen. It is the culmination of several short sighted socio-political initiatives. The intensification of divisive ethnic party politics has systematically undermined national integration. The absence of sustainable economic, educational, agricultural and foreign policies have further polarised us internally and isolated us internationally. Clearly discriminatory legislation such as the Sinhala only Act of the fifties and the earlier disenfranchisement of large numbers amongst the plantation community, marginalised the minorities. The Tamil militant struggle for self government that emerged out of this discrimination grew into a movement which oppressed its own and systematically eliminated National leaders of all Communities. The subsequent security drive against the LTTE caused untold humiliation and hardship for the Tamil community. A serious and systematic erosion of higher values on all sides, drove us to the “war only” option; which in turn brought about an immense loss of life, uprooted whole communities, polarised the nation and left us with haunting memories of communal grievance, impatience and despair.

A Process

If reconciliation and healing are to come to our beloved nation in these circumstances we are all required to take a right-about turn and engage in two initiatives. These are the ability to look within our selves and our communities and deal with the mistakes of the past; and the cultivation of a behaviour that respects and welcomes the presence of the other. These unwritten democratic values of self scrutiny and inclusive behaviour will require time, personal integrity and an abundance of generosity. But we don’t have to go far to find them. The respective spiritualities of our religions provide these values to those of us who want to live at peace with each other.

It is from here that we will together recognise how to address past grievance and future integration. And it will be only then that the journey towards getting to that place, where each will be received with dignity, none will violate another and all will be provided space for growth and fulfilment, will be discerned. From here our collective conscience will be required to invite and encourage the other repeatedly, till the call falls on good ground and bears fruit. This is the prophetic tradition of the Church without which there can be no reconciliation and healing in Christ.

A Year of National Healing and Reconciliation

Since all religions have a role to play in this national agenda, I request the diocese to please recognise the year 2009-2010 as a year of “National Reconciliation and Healing.” For this to happen most effectively, we will be called to work even more closely with our sister churches and faiths. Our own role in this collective task will be futile if we ourselves do not engage in rigorous self scrutiny and a rediscovery of inclusive behaviour. It must be our prayer that out of this process Christ will endow us with a spirituality of compassion, courage and humility for the journey.

I invite all clergy and congregations, schools and other church institutions to spread this message and incorporate this thrust into our respective mandates and scope of influence. I request Standing Committee, Council of Synod and the Peace and Inter Faith Desks in particular to highlight this proposal and to give it priority in the coming year.

I urge all our commissions and boards to give this theme priority in our work during the coming year. I also intend carrying this proposal to the civil society, ecumenical and inter-faith groups with whom we work.


The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo
16 October 2009

Junior Chapel

Thought you might like to see some pics of Shemil having fun with the Junior Chapel children. This was an intiative we set up at the beginning of May for younger members of the Chapel congregation. It is proving popular and some weeks we have had as many as 16 children attending. As well as Shemil, parents also asssist and each week a boy from the Server's Guild is assigned to come and help with the session.

Confirmation Service

Will take place on Tuesday October 6th (St Thomas' Day) at 7.30am with the Bishop of Colombo. We have 7 young people who are having hands laid upon them. Pictured is one of the Confirmation candidates.

Deo Gratis

Daily Worship

Apart from Wednesdays, the boys gather for religious observances at the beginning of each day. The chapel is full to bursting of boys who sit quietly for a 15 minute service including a message from the Chaplain, teaching staff or a student themselves.

A proud Mother

We were adopted some time in May by a rather sad and thin looking cat. She soon fattened up though - the reason being in the picture.
Two-Spots the Cat and her 3 kittens.

A Special Gift

We are thankful to a couple in Cheltenham who decided to contact CMS as they wanted to find a home for a sick communion set. Originally owned by Captain Keirle, a Church Army officer based at St Paul's church, Cheltenham.
They came into possession of the set over 30 years ago, but had kept it out of sentiment and the sense of not knowing quite the right place for it go. Having got in touch with CMS it was decided that I might appreciate using it here. In fact it was an answer to my prayers, as I was having to take a tupperware box and a small drinks bottle on my sick visits.
In the photo you can see one of our Chapel regulars who is awaiting a kidney transplant. I visit his home every month and both he and his parents take communion.

After the War - What next?

The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo

CEYLON 090722-1
July 22, 2009

Dr N. M. Perera commemoration Symposium 13th July 2009

(A modified version of the presentation)

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] I’m not exactly sure as to why I was asked to be part of this event but I am extremely happy to be associated with it. My late father was a friend of and admired Dr. N.M. Perera and an Uncle was an active LSSP Trade Unionist. I recall vividly that when we were children, NM, Colvin, Leslie, Vivian and Bernard and so on were house hold names. Later on as I began to understand social realities better, my regard for Dr. N.M. Perera as well as for the LSSP grew. I particularly valued the wise and learned leadership of the Party, its passion for the rights of the working class and its refusal to exploit ethnicity for political gain.

One of our greatest political tragedies since then has however been the decline of the appeal of the LSSP. If not done already, a thorough analysis must be done on this issue by a competent Social Scientist; but I know one thing, if there were a few more leaders of the calibre of Dr. N.M. around we would not be addressing this topic today.

Our topic can be answered in one sentence; after the war, we must strive towards becoming an integrated, just, non-violent, united and reconciled Nation with space for all to live with dignity. But I have 25 minutes to expand on this and I shall try to do so under three crucial repercussions of the war.

1. The physical repercussions. This includes the loss of lives, displacement and destruction to property and livehoods.

In all our religious cultures people gather to mourn and offer solidarity when death occurs. Consequently we need a National event to remember all who died because of the war. Political or ethnic differences should not prevent this. Soon after the tsunami of 2004 that took the lives of thousands of our people there was such an event. On that occasion all political parties, religions and ethnic groups gathered at a National event to remember the dead of all communities. Just as that event demonstrated that we were one Nation, a post war event of remembrance can reduce our tensions and bring us a little closer together as one People.

* The situation in IDP Camps is a cause for concern. The need for IDPs to be held in Camps till security screening is completed is understandable, since LTTE cadres could well be hiding amongst the IDPs. But this screening must be done professionally and speedily and equally importantly, it should be accompanied with the concurrent resettlement of IDPs in batches. If not a hardship will soon become a grievance and we may well be sowing the seeds of another militant movement. We cannot forget that those who crossed over did so to be liberated.

* There is another dimension to the IDP crisis that we ought not to lose sight of. This is that those in the camps are resourceful Sri Lankans who have lived with dignity, though no doubt under much more trying circumstances. They possess resilience and skills and can contribute productively to the Nation’s economy. Early resettlement will mean that students get back to schooling and university; and Doctors, Teachers, Clerks, Administrators and so on get back to their posts, farmers return to their fields, fishermen to their nets and small-time traders to their shops . The Vanni population must be seen not only as a humanitarian crisis or security threat but as resourceful humans with much to offer the common good.

* Finally, all those Sri Lankans who carried arms for whatever cause or reason require our understanding and support to get on with their lives after the war. Our young Service personnel are entitled to opportunities to catch up with the loss of tertiary education or training that the war may have deprived them of. One of the reasons behind the Open University concept in the UK was to provide such opportunities for Service personnel in post second world war Britain. Any programme of decommissioning that follows our war will be most realistic if it facilitates a return to such a life of personal growth and fulfilment in which guns will not make the difference.

* Similarly there is a need for an early amnesty for deserters and LTTE cadres, backed up with programmes of rehabilitation. If planned well and implemented with sensitivity such initiatives prove immensely successful. To cite a small example; in the late 80s our Church participated in a rehabilitation programme that trained 20 JVP cadres, some of whom are gainfully employed as tailors in various parts of the Country, to this day. What was possible then with Sinhala youth is possible today with Tamil youth.

2. Psychological repercussions. This has much to do with the “Winner-Loser” syndrome leading to the “Insider-Outsider” complex.

* Today the Tamil community experiences a more subtle kind of insecurity and uncertainty. The real fear that LTTE cadres could still be surviving within the Tamil Community is likely to step up community surveillance. Consequently there is an urgent need for clarification of positions and the building of mutual trust. Recent public statements by some Tamil leaders that the Sovereignty and Unity of the country are not in dispute are welcome and help to allay the fears of the Sinhala community. Similarly initiatives such as the recruitment of Tamils to the Police Force in the Eastern Province, convey the right signals of Community trust and are timely.

* This welcome trend however needs to deepen and spread. Traces of discrimination at check points and in the requirement of householders lists should be eradicated. My Office is from time to time asked for details of Tamil members of Staff. We instead supply information on all Staff. An inclusive approach in such procedure reduces both discrimination and fear. The substantial provision of Tamil as a National language in Government Departments and Police Stations, as required by law, must be implemented. We should not forget that a large percentage of Muslims also speak Tamil as a first language. The establishment of integrated bi-lingual Schools will be an immense investment for trust building amongst future generations.

* Finally, the recent JVP request for a truth and reconciliation commission also requires serious consideration. If directed with maturity and commitment, such a process where people will receive information of their loved ones who have died or are missing in a forgiving way, will help us overcome the bitterness of the past and open a door to reconciliation for the future.

3. Repercussions on our understanding of conflict resolution and the democratic way.

* When a war ends with a convincing victory for one side, no matter the debate on who was more responsible etc., there is a possibility that the way of aggression may too easily be recognised as a problem solving device in other instances as well. Such a development will undoubtedly distance a Nation from the more democratic methods of conflict resolution through dialogue, negotiations and compromise. The antidote to this danger is the deliberate shift to a non-violent, democratic culture of continuing negotiations to resolve our differences.

* The core of our National conflict is our inability to contain our differences in such a way that we may to live together with mutual respect. Identifying a solution to this conflict, at least in theory, has never been the problem. At workshops when school children are taken through an exercise that asks for a solution, they usually get it right, quite quickly. Their solution will suggest that all in this country need to be treated equally, all should receive equal opportunities, all need to live with dignity, all need to be equally free before the law and that all should avoid violence and stay in right and reconciled relationships. Here then in essence is the solution; but it needs to be written into a political proposal and constitutional framework by the experts.

* What then is the problem ? The problem in my understanding is the process; the means of getting there. This is where different power struggles and agendas contend. And this is exactly where political will, prowess, integrity and wisdom makes all the difference. Wise and just governance is what political leaders are elected for. It is their business mostly, to make this happen.

Conclusion

I wish to end by referring to four universal values which have influenced this presentation. These are values that all our religions can identify with and which have potential to direct our shared Sri Lankan journey away from war and violence towards integration and reconciliation. I present them as our common calling.

These are:

1. The care and support of the vulnerable and the poor, always.

2. The condemnation of all types of violence, especially killings, always.

3. The affirmation of dialogue, negotiation, and compromise in our decision making, always.

4. The return to a healing of memories of hatred and revenge so that we may strive towards a future in which we will be free and reconciled, always.

I commend these values to our political leadership and the people of our beloved Lanka.


Thank you.
+ Duleep de Chickera
Bishop of Colombo

Talent Show

Although the Diocese provides some funding for its Diocesan Boards, inevitably it is not enough. So Boards have to raise their own funds wherever they can, some have funding from overseas, others, like the Diocesan Board of Education hold fund-raising events for example like a Talent Show. This was supported with acts by Sunday schools and Church schools and tickets sold through all the parishes. Although attendance was a little disappointing, the quality and standard of the acts was not. St Thomas' Mount Lavina was represented by the Hewisi Band which involves drumming and the playing of small flutes with boys from different faith backgrounds. The Student Christian Movement members also participated by singing with some musical accompaniment a modern arrangement of Psalm 23.
Other acts included traditional Sinhalese and Tamil classical dance, and many took the opportunity to give thanks for the ending of the war and the need for reconciliation and peace between different ethnic groups.

More Pics

These are from the inside of an IDP camp - a section where orphan children are.

Pictures of Aid being delivered

This was delivered to a hospital in Kurunegala.

IDP Camp Assistance

Both in the national and international press many concerns are being raised concerning the welfare of Internally Displaced Persons. The Sri Lankan government are limiting access at the moment to the camps and only a few NGOs have access.
During the first few weeks of May we held a collection of items for people in the camps and were pleased to have collected sarongs, sandals, toiletries, medicines, mosquito coils and other items to be distributed to those in need.

We are currently trying to access some text books and stationary items for approximately 296 orphan children in one of the Menik Farm camps.

Celebrations in Galle

A little while ago we were invited to represent St Thomas' College at a felicitation service for those who have served in the Archdeaconry of Galle.
Here you can see the school band that led the procession to the meeting place.

Galle was where the Dutch colonisers landed and so a fort was built to protect and defend the city. Old Galle is a lovely place to walk and enjoy in Sri Lanka unusually quiet streets. There is a fascinating private museum which is full of bits and pieces from colonial times and well worth a visit.

Asia Sunday 2009

Asia Sunday 24th May 2009
Country in Focus: Sri Lanka; Theme: Tear Drop
Since 1974, Asia Sunday has been celebrated in Asia and amongst ecumenical organizations around the world on the Sunday before Pentecost.

Hear are some liturgical resources and prayers:
Namo namo mavumkarun
We worship you Creator
Namo namo midumkarun
We worship you Liberator
Namo namo sudath murun
We worship you Sanctifier
Namo namo thiyek murun
We worship you O Trinity


Lighting the Lamp
Ministers will light lamps whilst the following is said slowly:
The world is full of darkness and confusion
Asia is full of violence and anger
Our country is full of pain and suffering.
Jesus wept.
With a tear drop, the Risen Christ is the light and hope of the world.


The Triple Refuge
Oba piya devikara saranaya ganimi
I take my refuge in you, the Father, accepting you as God.
Oba kithu himikara saranaya ganimi
I take my refuge in you, the Son, accepting you as God.
Oba sudha tindukara saranaya ganimi
I take my refuge in you blest Spirit, accepting you as Lord.
Oba eka devikara saranaya ganimi
I take my refuge in you three, acknowledging you as one God.
Oba sura sasunehi saranaya pathami
I look for refuge in your holy church
Oba ana vinayehi saranaya pathami
I look for refuge in your noble word
Obe mema sangayehi saranaya pathami
I look for refuge in this your community

Latest Letter from Bishop Duleep

Behold, I make all things new
A statement by the Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo

CEYLON 090519-1
May 19, 2009

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] Today all Sri Lankans stand at a decisive point in the history of our beautiful and beloved country.

All communities are undoubtedly relieved that the fighting is now over. For too long, too many lives have been lost. Many youth who were killed or injured in battle showed immense courage and sacrifice. They must be remembered with respect and honour. Many unarmed innocent civilians were also killed or injured. They too must be remembered with respect and honour. May we also never forget the tens of thousands of parents, spouses, children, brothers and sisters who grieve these deaths.

This is also the time, if we will recognize it, to look back and learn from the several mistakes of the past. These are lessons of peaceful co-existence, the strength in compromise that is essential for political dialogue, and the value of every single human life. We must begin with our children, and in our schools, temples, kovils, mosques and churches. But adults too will have to re-learn these lessons, and leaders in particular will be called upon to set new standards. It is in this way, mostly, that we will set in place the appropriate values and attitudes that will lead our people away from war and violence.

Finally, now is the time, if we will recognize it, to take prayerful, purposeful and collective steps towards an integrated, united and just Sri Lanka that has eluded us for decades. We must become a nation in which every woman, man and child, regardless of religion or ethnicity, is made to feel equal, free and proud to call themselves Sri Lankan. For this to happen we will be required to address the grievances of all communities, eliminate social fear and suspicion, restore the people’s confidence in law and order and good governance, and respond to the current economic challenges with immediate attention to the needs of the poorest, the displaced, the helpless and the harassed amongst us.

May the God of creation and compassion raise us to a new life of mutual understanding, respect and loving kindness.


The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera
Bishop of Colombo
19th May 2009

May Letter from Bishop Duleep

Sri Lankans in Crisis – the Concern of all other Sri Lankans
A statement by the Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo

CEYLON 090507-1
May 7, 2009

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon]
Our impatience with the intended intervention of the international community and activities of the Tamil Diaspora in other parts of the world should not divert the attention of concerned Sri Lankans from the dire needs of our fellow Sri Lankans restricted to IDP camps and the ‘No fire zone”, here at home.

The refusal of the LTTE to permit the civilians to leave the “No fire zone”, and even holding them to ransom, brings an even greater responsibility on the GoSL to ensure the protection and safe passage of these remnant Sri Lankan civilians. The GoSL should consequently exhaust all other methods of pressure through negotiations, diplomacy and International law that will save the civilians and also neutralise the LTTE. Through such a course of action the GoSL will prove its political prowess and be able to fulfil its dual responsibilities by all the people of this country.

The urgent task at hand with regard to the IDPs now is to facilitate the recovery of dignity and the return to normalcy of these thousands of fellow Sri Lankans, crushed and deprived for years. Such a task need not be incompatible with security safeguards. In fact the implementation of such a transformative policy will in the long run build trust and reduce the need for more security safeguards. If not, we run the risk of reverting to the cycle of increased fear, increased suspicion and increased security.

Consequently we require a visible shift from sympathy for the IDPs to an affirmation of their rights and dignity as Sri Lankans. These persons simply cannot lose their rights as Sri Lankans because they were trapped under the LTTE in the Vanni. In fact they crossed over at great risk in a courageous demonstration of their right to movement as Sri Lankans , and this must be recognised. Also, the travails of war and displacement that prevents them from producing documentary evidence does not make them any less Sri Lankan than the rest of us. What seems unclear at present, however, is whether they have rights now or whether they are required to remain under collective suspicion indefinitely till they somehow acquire their rights by proving they are different.

This shift should be accompanied by a multi-task approach towards recovery and normalcy as against a phase-by-phase approach. Intelligence screening cannot be avoided and must be done professionally and swiftly. But counselling is equally important.
These Sri Lankans have been subject to severe trauma in what they have seen and suffered, and remain in their silent world with questions about loved ones, belongings and an uncertain future; and here too they are in need of professional help.

These two priorities of screening and counselling should also run concurrently with the process of de-mining and the building of houses and infrastructure, with the people being released in batches to return to their homes and villages. As part of this process, identifiable LTTE cadres should be separated for professionally planned programmes of rehabilitation.

Such a clear policy will establish the bona fides of the GoSL and send a clear message to all. Then the temporary hardships and restrictions of the camps will become bearable as the people will see an end to their misery.

But if a lasting solution to our larger and more tragic conflict is ever to be reached we need to engage in two more crucial shifts. The first is to overcome the tendency to see ghosts of the LTTE in every Tamil. If not, an entire community will be held under surveillance for the rest of their lives, some of whom will inevitably be driven into the arms of the next Tamil militant resurgence. The second is the need for a just and speedy political response to the grievances of the Tamil people. These grievances must be heard and can best be articulated by a cross-section of independent Tamil leadership.

I appeal to His Excellency the President and to all other political leaders to work together to initiate these shifts for the good of all who belong to this beautiful and resourceful land.

With Peace and Blessings
+ Duleep Colombo.
7th May 2009

Clergy Conference April 2009

Held on alternate years with Clergy Synod, conference saw the entire clergy of the Diocese of Colombo, decamping to Hillwood School on the shores of Kandy lake. Founded by a Church of England Zenna Missionary, a Miss Elizabeth Bellamy in 1889.
A popular girls school known for excellence in academic studies, it produced the first Sri Lankan woman to obtain a mathematics degree at Girton College, Cambridge.
Clergy from all over Sri Lankan came together in prayer, fellowship and to exchange stories and concerns. Bishop Duleep exhorted each and every person to seek out and be with the helpless and harassed in their local communities.

During the 3 days of conference we listened to the stories of the suffering, of tea pickers giving their children poison to drink as due to the global economic situation they can no longer afford to feed them, of the young pregnant woman who fleeing LTTE controlled area was shot at, her hands having to be amputated due to injury, her husband was killed. She gave birth to a healthy baby, but is struggling to care for him.

We heard of Fr Daniel and his wife and baby daughter living in an Internally Displaced People's camp by choice so he could minister to the people there.
We heard of brave and courageous acts of selflessness.

Please pray for Sri Lanka, for an end to war and the beginning of peace.

Spring cleaning!

During the school holidays myself and Shemil decided to give the chapel library a bit of a spring clean! We discovered many 'holey books' as Shemil is holding up!
It was electic mix- some books on third party insurance, others on Rural churches in the British countryside and one on medical procedures. Clearing away with dust and rats' unmentionables we are now wondering how to fill the shelves with some good reading material for teenage boys. Any suggestions?

Church and Temple

St Paul's Anglican church adjoins the Temple of the Tooth - a much visited place of pilgrimmage by Buddhist people as they come to venerate a tooth taken from the funeral pyre of Lord Buddha and brought to Sri Lanka hidden in the hair of an Indian princess.
There used to be an Anglican school behind the church, but this was removed by the government a few years ago and the land given to expand the Temple precincts.

Happiness

Ah the joy of a nice cool shower!

Easter Sunday

Sorry no pics of church but just a photo of Shemil's parents who were on their first ever visit out of India.

Pastoral Letter from Church Leaders of Sri Lanka

The Increasingly Desperate Situation of the People Trapped in Vanni
Submitted by the Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo

CEYLON 090325-1
March 25, 2009

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] As religious leaders, we are extremely concerned about the deteriorating plight of the civilians who are still trapped in the Vanni. Endless debates about the actual numbers trapped or who is primarily to be blamed for their plight are not the most urgent needs at this stage. The immediate and absolutely urgent need is to recognize that this is a very critical humanitarian crisis faced by fellow Sri Lankans. The needs of food, water, health, sanitation, shelter and, above all, physical security of these our sisters and brothers and children need to be addressed without delay. From all independent reports available, the plight of these trapped civilians has become absolutely desperate. These are people who over the past several years have lived under severe deprivations and restrictions and have in recent months been displaced several times over. We urge that all sides recognize the helplessness and powerlessness of these desperate Sri Lankans to change their circumstances or voice their fears and concerns. We earnestly appeal to all concerned to set aside debates on secondary issues and take immediate steps to alleviate their suffering.

We are grateful that a seven mile long strip has been declared by the Government of Sri Lanka as “no-fire” zone. We trust that negotiations can be facilitated to ensure that there is bilateral agreement for this “no-fire” zone and for the avoidance of the use of heavy artillery and multi-barrel shelling in the areas where civilians reside. We are also thankful that arrangements have been made for the sick and the injured to be transported by ship to Trincomalee for treatment. But in the prevailing desperate plight of civilians in the Vanni, we appeal to all parties, in the name of our religions and in the name of our common humanity, to have the humility and the courage to agree to the following:

1. Continue steady food supplies through the World Food Program as long as is necessary.

2. Continue the ferrying of the sick and injured persons through the ICRC to hospitals that are in a position to provide the necessary personnel and medicines to treat these people.

3. Negotiate and evacuate all civilians who wish to leave the conflict zone. For this purpose, a temporary cessation of fighting be agreed upon to enable this evacuation. As religious leaders, we are willing to attempt to facilitate, by ourselves or in association with others, negotiations towards a mutually acceptable agreement in this regard. We wish to emphasize that our concern is purely and primarily a temporary cessation of fighting for the sole humanitarian purpose of ensuring the safe evacuation of the civilians.

4. That the UN, ICRC and other reputed organizations, including clergy of all religions, be allowed into the Vanni during the temporary cessation of fighting to facilitate and monitor the evacuation and assist in the other humanitarian operations. This will bring credibility to all sides and also enhance the image our country.

The Rt Revd Dr Thomas Savundranayagam
Roman Catholic Bishop of Jaffna

The Rt Revd Dr Rayappu Joseph
Roman Catholic Bishop of Mannar

The Rt Revd Norbert Andradi
Roman Catholic Bishop of Anuradhapura

The Rt Revd Kumara Illangasinghe
Anglican Bishop of Kurunagala

The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera
Anglican Bishop of Colombo

25th March 2009

Tsunami Victims

The Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004 seems such a long time ago now for those of us in the West, but travel down to the south of the island along the coastal road and you will pass alongside grave after grave next to the sea.
You can still see the ruins of houses and homes, the concrete foundations of what used to be and the remains of fishing boats left to rust inland from the sea - their owners long perished.
Many NGO's have moved on, but there is still a huge need for assistance - many are in need of trauma counseling, many have yet to come to terms with the massive loss of life. Many of the poorest of the poor remain without a permanent home.

Extract from Bishop Duleep's Latest Pastoral Letter

Geetha (Bishop's wife) and I visited Vavuniya a few days ago and were able to spend some time with our clergy, girls and ladies of the Anglican orphanage. They are all in a state of trauma and spoke with tears and silence. Those in the Vavuniya hospital have suffered serious injuries and are being well cared for by the medical staff who are working around the clock. We also met with the authorities and some religious leaders. The Diocese will respond initially to the needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP)through the Board of Social Responsibility. We are still in the stage of relief and the process of rehabilitation will be much more demanding in terms of our spirituality as well as our financial resources; and we must be equipped and ready for this.
I am grateful to all who have been praying for the civilians of the Wanni and request that this should continue.
The Diocese is in touch with with the authorities on the participation of our Church in the area of relief and rehabilitation. We have called for a consortium through which the religions could work and have offered assistance in the areas of trauma counseling, occupational therapy and child care.
Through this worsening crisis our Diocese both collectively as well as separately taken several initiatives at several levels to bring to an end this war and commence conversations that will address the grievance of the Tamil people and the need for a just and democratic Sri Lanka. We have repeatedly called for the safety and protection of civilians in the war areas through the provision of safe zones. We have particularly asked that the IDP's be treated with respect and that the security screening process be swift and professional, after which the people should be assisted to return to their homes and livelihoods. For this the strengthening of Democratic institutions, law and order, social trust and a return to civil administration are essential.

Bishop Duleep De Chickera
Pastoral Letter
18/02/09

Car, Train or Aeroplane?

The Model Railway Society and the Transport societies recently held a big event at the college which drew together several classic car enthusiasts. Becky particularly enjoyed seeing the old MG cars and reminded of her time in Oxford by posing with this lime green mini, but she eventually decided on something with a good view.

Ripon & Leeds Link Officer Visit

February has certainly brought with it a bevy of UK visitors. Adrian from CMS, Lisa and Susan from Blackburn Diocese, George the gap-year student and then Barbara the Link officer from Ripon & Leeds also appeared on the door step followed by Revd Malini from the Board of Education. Malini is the most amazing woman, she has grappled with cancer, but continues to work full time for the Diocese, travelling around the country to run workshops for Sunday school teachers and organising the Vacation Bible Schools. She also supports many groups working for the rights of women and children as well as organising peace rallies and prayer vigils. She is an active theologian and recently spent time living with Bikkhuni, the Buddhist nuns, helping them to collect alms and spending time with them in meditation.

CMS Regional Manager comes to visit!

Adrian Watkins- CMS regional manager for South Asia came to see us - and yes managers do work when away from their UK desks!

Visit by Trinity College Chapel Choir

House Blessing

Any excuse for a party will do! We were joined by most of Mirihana Parish church (Becky's previous parish), plus new friends from St Thomas' College and Sinhala classes. Prayers were led by Fr Jayanth from St Francis' Anglican church - just down the road from us.

More Pics Gurutawla

St Thomas College Gurutawla

The weekend of Feb 7th -9th saw myself, Shemil and a a busload of Choristers embarking on the 6 hour journey up to one of our branch schools high up in the tea plantations.
St Thomas Gurutawla was established during the 2nd World War, when it was feared that the school at Mt Lavina was susceptible to bombings. Gurutawla was a series of farm buildings located in a small village and it was here that the school established itself.
The chapel of St Francis stands at the heart of the school, surrounded by lush forest vegetation. Having spent the past few years in decline, the vision of a new Headmaster and support by the Old Boys Association has seen a greater intake of boys from local villages and surrounding areas. The school seeks to be self-sufficient, acres of land are being cultivated for vegetable crops, there are hens providing meat and eggs, cows are pastured on school ground and there is even a bakery to provide freshly baked bread and cakes for the boys. There is a farm shop on site which provides a small income to the school. Sports facilities include swimming-pool, basketball courts and of course a field for cricket.

However at the moment the school is only just breaking even - teacher's salaries can be paid but there is no extra money for the infrastructure - as you can see classrooms are basic, the teacher's housing desperately needs updating and the school library consists of 4 bookshelves with 50 or so tattered copies of story books.

The school is also in dire need of teachers of English - many schools in Sri Lanka struggle to recruit teachers with good enough English to teach.
I would highly recommend Gurutawla as a good place to do some voluntary work - with its excellent climate and proximity to some of the most diverse eco-systems and abundance of wildlife, you would be given meals - made with local produce and accommodation. The Headmaster is keen to encourage longer term placements, minimum of 3 months.

News from Theological College, Lanka

The Revd Rosemary Fletcher writes:
"One of our students Kamal has heard that his father has been killed in the Wanni. This is the 3rd of our students to have lost loved ones in the War in the last month".
Students are using the internet to find news of people they know, but the photos from the Wanni are horrific.
There is no doubt many civilians are losing their lives and being horrifically injured due to Army shelling and bombardments.
Evidence of children and women whose limbs have been torn apart by shelling.

Please pray for Sri Lanka and especially those in the North-Eastern areas.

The Fate and Freedom of Civilians caught up in the war

The Fate and Freedom of Civilians Caught up in War

The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo

CEYLON 090211-1 February 11, 2009

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] Two recent incidents of violence unleashed against innocent and defenceless Tamil civilians by the LTTE must be condemned unreservedly by peace loving Sri Lankans of all communities.

The suicide bomb attack at a check point at Surantanpuran killed ten civilians and twenty soldiers engaged in receiving Tamil civilians who had crossed over, and injured many more. The deliberate firing at civilians crossing over from uncleared areas killed nineteen and injured sixty-nine. Many of those affected in both incidents were helpless children and many of the injured are said to be in a very critical condition.

These utterly senseless acts are clearly meant to intimidate the very people the LTTE claim it wants to liberate, and are a brazen violation of the civilians right to movement and life. The LTTE must immediately stop this ruthless suppression of Tamil civilians.

I offer the deepest sympathies of our Church to the relatives of the deceased and the assurance of our prayers to those who mourn and are injured. You are a people that have suffered untold deprivation and oppression over the years, and it is our prayer that there will soon be an end to your misery. May the God of compassion give you strength to face these terrible tragedies and keep you steadfast in mercy and hope.

As this war intensifies and the LTTE becomes even more desperate, the chances of civilian casualties will keep increasing. This correspondingly leads to a growing sense of helplessness amongst all who long for an end to war and human suffering. In these circumstances there are four realities that all Sri Lankans should strive to ensure.

These are:
a) a demonstration of sorrow that war requires the daily killing and death of Sri Lankan combatants, who are none other than sons and daughters, brothers and sisters.
b) equally intensified and sustained policies and strategies as a sacred duty that protects civilians.
c) the democratic space for persons of religious and ideological conviction, committed to non-violent methods of dealing with conflict, to be heard with respect.
d) a prompt and professional programme of reconstruction accompanied by a return to civil administration that offers freedom and dignity to all.

I earnestly invite all communities of our beloved Sri Lanka to work and pray to keep these realities alive during these very difficult and daunting days.

With Peace and blessings to all

The Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera
Bishop of Colombo
11th February 2009

Sports Day

The Protection of Civilians

Statement submitted by the Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo, on behalf of a group of bishops

CEYLON 090202-2 February 2, 2009

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] We are deeply concerned with recent reports of increasing civilian casualties in the Wanni war. Recent media reports have indicated that a significant number of civilians, including children, have been killed and many more injured over the past two weeks. These deaths were due to shelling as well as shooting. These incidents are cause for serious regret and cannot be justified in any war, specially in a war amongst the people of the same country.

We extend our condolences to the families of the dead and the assurance of our prayers to the injured. Your prolonged sufferings over the years have been more than those of us who live elsewhere can ever imagine. May God lift up the light of His countenance and give you peace.

As the current war intensifies and the space for civilians correspondingly shrinks, there is a real danger that the rate of civilian casualties could increase even more. It’s precisely in times of war that the right to life of civilians becomes most sacred and requires the uninterrupted attention and protection of all, specially the State.

We therefore earnestly appeal to the GoSL and the LTTE to review their styles of combat that are more likely to endanger trapped civilians.

We also appeal to the LTTE that the presence of trapped civilians should not be used to gain military advantage. There should be no restriction of the civilian’s right to life and movement.

We once again welcome the setting up of the "No fire zone" and thank the GoSL for this initiative . We earnestly plead with both sides to make it work by very seriously respecting the terms of this arrangement and by refraining from battle in the immediate vicinity of this area. Civilians should be assisted to seek refuge in this zone and remain there unharmed till conditions are favourable for them to return to their homes. We also repeat our request that the ICRC, UNHCR and independent Tamil leaders be invited by the GoSL to assist in the monitoring and management of this zone.

We assure all of our prayers and efforts towards a violence free, integrated Sri Lanka.

27th January 2009

The Rt Revd Thomas Savundranayagam, Roman Catholic Bishop of Jaffna
The Rt Revd Rayappu Joseph, Roman Catholic Bishop of Mannar
The Rt Revd Norbert Andradi, Roman Catholic Bishop of Anuradhapura
The Rt Revd Kumara Ilangasinghe, Anglican Bishop of Kurunegala
The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Anglican Bishop of Colombo

St Thomas College Library Building

Photos - Upper School

I've included pictures of the Upper School which during the 2nd World War was used as a hospital. Chatting to my grandad a few days ago we realised that he was admitted here for some treatment.