tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674334163442529982024-03-12T21:26:21.081-07:00The Mathew's Serendib MusingsRevd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-49539327919141253682010-07-21T04:26:00.000-07:002010-07-21T04:46:20.197-07:00July 2010 Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XFQ334tDvSM/TEbeAcJsYcI/AAAAAAAACfA/6yni6Q9ZTSo/s1600/Becky+%26+Shem+Dambulla.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XFQ334tDvSM/TEbeAcJsYcI/AAAAAAAACfA/6yni6Q9ZTSo/s320/Becky+%26+Shem+Dambulla.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496324494390485442" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well most of you will know from our Link Letters published by the Church Mission Society that we are now back in the UK. Our 3 year contract with CMS and the Church of Ceylon came to an end in July and so we decided to come back to the UK for home leave.<br />It was a difficult decision to leave Sri Lanka for the time being and we were sad to leave so many good friends and colleagues. <br />Our future plans are still a bit 'up in the air', Shemil has a place on a 12 month MA course at Redcliffe College, Gloucester and we have been greatly blessed by the granting of a substantial bursary by the college to enable him to continue his studies. We are also grateful to CMS who are also going to write into our budget the cost of studies and accommodation. <br />I have no definite working plans although I am hoping that the Diocese of Gloucester might be able to make use of me in some way although I will be on maternity leave as we are expecting a baby in October.<br />We are anticipating that with Shemil's additional qualification, he may be able to take up some work in theological education somewhere in Asia, whether we head back to Sri Lanka or another part of Asia.<br /><br />We hope that you will continue to support us through your prayers and if applicable financial support.<br /><br />We are anticipating visiting our link churches sometime early next year, so please contact us to organise dates of visits. Please email shemil.becky@googlemail.com or my personal email address.<br /><br />We are currently on a CMS People in Mission conference at All Nations Christian College in Hertfordshire and have enjoyed meeting other Mission Partners and those soon to go out either as short term or long term Mission Workers.<br /><br />Jesu pi hi ty,<br /><br />Beckyshemilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03049927649124350828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-40670677900378991762010-04-29T05:02:00.000-07:002010-04-29T05:02:08.958-07:00Clergy SynodNext week, May 4th-7th the Diocese of Colombo will be holding Clergy Synod. We will be looking at a range of issues including Recommendations to the Parishes concerning Theological Education for both laity and ordained, learning about the Family Resource Centre, discussing the way in which we identify suitable candidates for ministry and finally getting our hands on a Revised Liturgy for Holy Communion which is to be used in parishes as soon as possible.<br />
Our synod concludes with the Bishop Cyril Abeynaike Memorial Lecture by Prof Priyan Dias, "Is science very different from religion".<br />
<br />
Given the difficulty in reaching many of the parishes and their geographical location from Colombo, it's a wonderful opportunity to meet up with clergy, discuss needs and issues and spend some time in fellowship with one another.<br />
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Please pray for the Diocese of Colombo and our clergy and for our sister Diocese in Kurunegala as they seek to appoint a new Bishop.Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-26683911260660427922010-04-29T04:51:00.000-07:002010-04-29T04:51:19.787-07:00UpdateIt's been a while since we last updated, culmination of events - lack of internet access, non-working mouse and lack of time are some of the culprits.<br />
However, we are getting ready for the beginning of the second term here at S. Thomas', hence the update.<br />
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Sad news from the Diocese of Colombo, our first female priest, the Revd Canon Malini Devananada recently passed away. She had been diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, but last year she had a relapse and was undergoing chemo treatments. Despite having intensive medications she continued with her work as the Director of the Board of Education, as a committe member of the Board of Women's Work and pastoral work at St Luke's, Borella.<br />
It came as a great shock to all, when she collapsed and was admitted to hospital. The week after her funeral she was due to fly to Malaysia to join an Asian Women's Theological Conference. Malini will be remembered as a pioneering role model for the women of Sri Lanka and as a faithful servant of her loving God.<br />
Below is the text of a poem she wrote, which I was privileged to read at her funeral service:<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">‘Suffering’</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Suffering is when</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">One feels bereft of</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Loved ones, friends and colleagues,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">When in the dark night</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">One grapples with the unknown</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Not knowing what the outcome would be.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Suffering is when,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Poison is pumped into one</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">To kill those dark ugly cells,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">That multiplies rapidly causing cancer</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">But the poison coursing through the veins</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Makes a person half alive.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Suffering is when,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Umpteen needles are pricked into one,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">With scant care for the agony and pain,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">For saline they say is life giving</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">And rids the body of toxic</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">A drink for the dying, food for the weak,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">God’s gift of life for her beloved sufferers.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Suffering is when,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">My body wracked with pain</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">I collapsed, fighting for life, alone and scared,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Felt my body being dragged into a deep mire</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">To surface no more, I cried out in agony,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more God, No more, let me die.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">And then suffering became bearable when,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">I felt God’s presence holding my hand,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Telling me gently not to lose faith.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">I know I had a companion in my darkest hour.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">God shared my pain, my agony and tears,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Leading me safely through the valley of death.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">And yet, suffering became bearable when,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">With heartfelt gratitude I could say,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Thank you God for strengthening me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">For friends and loved ones near and far</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">For prayers and vigils of the known and unknown,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">For the medical staff so sure yet gently</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Thank you God for the friends around me,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Whose friendship I share in our common suffering.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
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</span></div>Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-62921371689964834822010-01-26T19:59:00.000-08:002010-01-26T19:59:54.116-08:00Election Fever Part 2Despite not having a vote myself, I received a personally addressed letter from the President of Sri Lanka asking me to vote for his party. Hmmm even I know that foreigners do not get votes.<br />
But I am in good company, the Opposition candidate, the ex-army chief of staff, Fonseka has also not been allowed to vote in the Presidential elections.<br />
Hold on a minute - you mean to say that the main opposition person running for the Presidential seat hasn't been allowed to vote?<br />
Why? Fonseka says he's on the list but was too busy with what was happening in the North to pay much attention to his electoral registration.<br />
Only in Sri Lanka....Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-56838189432567341022010-01-22T01:34:00.000-08:002010-01-22T01:34:58.165-08:00Election Fever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0qDccbJZS9V4oCCiDYp3biMQYJ9HQQKmHdoIXJdzUukTZwMM-tL6jX_CCFmyFpMvu_Jy9YVRBRjqCmn6xtJimGSfrIbklvW2YmDPIycbxyXBCwKXzjzh8AsvQG_lT6UYvmtGDely3K1I/s1600-h/Election2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0qDccbJZS9V4oCCiDYp3biMQYJ9HQQKmHdoIXJdzUukTZwMM-tL6jX_CCFmyFpMvu_Jy9YVRBRjqCmn6xtJimGSfrIbklvW2YmDPIycbxyXBCwKXzjzh8AsvQG_lT6UYvmtGDely3K1I/s320/Election2010.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
Sri Lanka will be holding its presidential elections next week (Jan 26th) and many people are anxious about next week as it seems that the two forerunners; the current President Mahinda and the opposition candidate Fonseka are closely matched in the polls.<br />
Government schools will be closed from Mon 25th to Thurs 28th and it really is anyone's guess as to what will happen after then. Shemil has just been out shopping to discover that many of the local businesses have closed up and their owners are away.<br />
Although we are open on Monday next week, we do have boys boarding with us who will not able to go home for the elections, and it seems that we be under a curfew - although nothing official has been announced.<br />
The blind school that Shemil works at will be closed most of the week and with over 100 boarders and limited teaching staff there may be some difficulties.<br />
<br />
<br />
On the positive side we have just heard from the Ministry of Education that our boys will be allowed to study both Divinity and History in English medium if they so wish from Grade 7 onwards.Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-78637802233925193532010-01-03T04:40:00.000-08:002010-01-03T04:40:59.937-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxagPm4p9LADZeAdlADtcgnCJGF8xWwO35X9gO57vSzxMH-szGIUJkD34vmIoDxzYEP_Tl_P6FRacX3zFfEHzQYxXXfFp9jkBcDNK_vMAneluh0i7ItRk20bVuDxP7rc3Lun-0ePpN9Cr/s1600-h/305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxagPm4p9LADZeAdlADtcgnCJGF8xWwO35X9gO57vSzxMH-szGIUJkD34vmIoDxzYEP_Tl_P6FRacX3zFfEHzQYxXXfFp9jkBcDNK_vMAneluh0i7ItRk20bVuDxP7rc3Lun-0ePpN9Cr/s320/305.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxBtL0OqLuhyphenhyphenfCCTm_yEAirQoqrS7PWbOkPwNUA9qxAhykZGwk3wX151OLwVKEna31b59Vtu6qLCxDJy9YGGO1TRZEb1kb39dmQsv_JDdvDjlKUpO2zCrhVdIfLmpLJCyiNGFo2CdwRXH/s1600-h/323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxBtL0OqLuhyphenhyphenfCCTm_yEAirQoqrS7PWbOkPwNUA9qxAhykZGwk3wX151OLwVKEna31b59Vtu6qLCxDJy9YGGO1TRZEb1kb39dmQsv_JDdvDjlKUpO2zCrhVdIfLmpLJCyiNGFo2CdwRXH/s320/323.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Greetings from the both of us as we returned to Sri Lanka to celebrate the New Year. We had a wonderful holiday visiting lots of interesting places in North India. Here are few pics...Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-85241518598784174432009-12-03T21:34:00.000-08:002009-12-03T21:39:38.089-08:00Former 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).<br />
He may rest in peace and rise in glory.<br />
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Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed.Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-16904236424387953312009-11-17T21:27:00.000-08:002009-11-17T21:27:44.547-08:00First Woman CanonThought 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.<br />
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The good news was announced by Bishop Duleep de Chickera at the Annual Diocesan Council held in October.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJH9i45WDq9b2Iw6hE2sTEkBGIZxskE3RJMEv5RbnzM6kXXLr8jaHcwtE8h9eE0QjRiAq7j1s43zcA9A4-9Gh9COTu4BZGPhwL3yxZQ1_qMmnAJP_-IZDHR-LZp3nSCIJnTRdkhhlr2yZj/s1600/St+Thomas%27+House+Blessing+128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJH9i45WDq9b2Iw6hE2sTEkBGIZxskE3RJMEv5RbnzM6kXXLr8jaHcwtE8h9eE0QjRiAq7j1s43zcA9A4-9Gh9COTu4BZGPhwL3yxZQ1_qMmnAJP_-IZDHR-LZp3nSCIJnTRdkhhlr2yZj/s320/St+Thomas%27+House+Blessing+128.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-54996123335662424232009-11-15T21:33:00.000-08:002009-11-15T23:05:38.131-08:00Sad NewsMr Rukshan Perera (35) passed away this morning (Mon 16th Nov) after complications to do with his kidney transplantation.<br />
His funeral will be tomorrow Tues 17th Nov at the school chapel at 12.45pm, followed by cremation at the Mt Lavinia cemetry.<br />
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Please pray for his mother and father as they grieve the loss of a much loved son.<br />
<br />
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</div>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.Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-66476996772719798242009-11-09T04:58:00.000-08:002009-11-09T04:58:29.187-08:00The 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. <br />
<br />
Swargaya veda sitinia, apage piyaneni.<br />
Obage Shri namayate prasana wewa.<br />
Obage Rajyaya peminiewa.<br />
Obage kemethha swargaye men polowehida <i>(earth)</i> itu wewa.<br />
Apage edineda bhojanaya <i>(food)</i> apata pradanaya <i>(give)</i><br />
Kala menawa apata veredi karanaayage veredi kama <i>(forgive)</i>sama,<br />
karannak men apage veredida <i>(wrongs)</i>. <br />
Kama kala manawa poapa <i>(sin)</i> avasthavanta asuweemata apata ida nodhee <br />
Ayahapathin <i>(evil) </i>apa muda gatha manawa.<br />
Manda gatha rajyayada, <i>(kingdom)</i> balayada, mahimayada, sadahatama <i>(forever) </i>oba vanhsegeya.<br />
Amen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhyphenhyphennfOT8KgukYrz7VCyQmb90c99jiHuUtGbceYJy_06VCeI30yW4-V7htOYsK28FncgS4j4Makk4rt-XI3BC6MkspKf0XiH-7yT6pZn5sfUezRN18CFL1z5WI27gXnpfC0dS1n8NkYhGb/s1600-h/Kandy+2009+Amma+%26+Pappa+110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhyphenhyphennfOT8KgukYrz7VCyQmb90c99jiHuUtGbceYJy_06VCeI30yW4-V7htOYsK28FncgS4j4Makk4rt-XI3BC6MkspKf0XiH-7yT6pZn5sfUezRN18CFL1z5WI27gXnpfC0dS1n8NkYhGb/s320/Kandy+2009+Amma+%26+Pappa+110.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-39585418618703200872009-11-04T01:47:00.000-08:002009-11-04T01:47:39.622-08:00Bishop's Message: 'A Year of National Healing and Reconciliation'<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Bishop Calls for Recognition of 2009-2010 as the Year of National Healing and Reconciliation</b></span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td> From the Office of the Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo </td> </tr>
<tr> <td> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td> CEYLON 091016-1<br />
October 16, 2009 </td> </tr>
<tr> <td class="headline"><img height="5" src="http://www.anglicancommunion.org/provincialnews/ceylon/client/news/images/spacer.gif" width="10" /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><b>[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon]</b> 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: <br />
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<b>A Family Separated</b><br />
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“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.” (1 Cor. 12:26.)<br />
<br />
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. <br />
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<b>Displaced Sri Lankans</b><br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
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<b>Reconciliation and Healing of the Nation</b><br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
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<b>Past and Current Realities</b><br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>A Process</b><br />
<br />
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. <br />
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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. <br />
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<b>A Year of National Healing and Reconciliation</b><br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
<br />
The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo<br />
16 October 2009Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-53621763105227771542009-11-02T08:10:00.000-08:002009-11-02T08:10:28.743-08:00Junior ChapelThought 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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh_wEF9N2_vg08vOxkUlre7K2JLrrtpqsDY5MIl9e6j1b89drIi-il9Y_b4K1Re3-Vq53ss_l0cCcHd2qgAQTI9ky3ky1tH86PQB5y_lC7IRMHWNoY75i-uqmJL5kpi1OTJCsgp2CHzqx/s1600-h/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh_wEF9N2_vg08vOxkUlre7K2JLrrtpqsDY5MIl9e6j1b89drIi-il9Y_b4K1Re3-Vq53ss_l0cCcHd2qgAQTI9ky3ky1tH86PQB5y_lC7IRMHWNoY75i-uqmJL5kpi1OTJCsgp2CHzqx/s320/037.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-4095138580193102702009-09-30T04:42:00.001-07:002009-11-02T07:33:35.032-08:00Confirmation Service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptE4HEpDjecuG0PntLo-DfqETbjx7wJv_L5iovhPPwZasxO9al4c3m-f66n_XvSCVSCeAjh645BPWMVG-RdEcozQfa_Vo8KqLlM1ZAQahnF_yH-YFk8xuK6Z5JUkJUXrGHm7HrdqPuH1l/s1600-h/Confirmation+Ashwin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptE4HEpDjecuG0PntLo-DfqETbjx7wJv_L5iovhPPwZasxO9al4c3m-f66n_XvSCVSCeAjh645BPWMVG-RdEcozQfa_Vo8KqLlM1ZAQahnF_yH-YFk8xuK6Z5JUkJUXrGHm7HrdqPuH1l/s320/Confirmation+Ashwin.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>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.<br />
<br />
Deo GratisRevd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-47133246760726614212009-09-30T04:30:00.000-07:002009-09-30T04:36:05.609-07:00Daily Worship<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A_1gGbT6OG92IU30WsT5kXg1NRT9MzHV73IR9RODLBkTjiYmO0LoVmhntjKAWb_-Guc3zEa8HzivRs7XfXLPuVRsI_COmYqxN4HAYa1a6suTzrGmUczng8xF1P3S5NqCvXi8oQG1VeMT/s1600-h/St+Thomas+Chapel+Boys09.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A_1gGbT6OG92IU30WsT5kXg1NRT9MzHV73IR9RODLBkTjiYmO0LoVmhntjKAWb_-Guc3zEa8HzivRs7XfXLPuVRsI_COmYqxN4HAYa1a6suTzrGmUczng8xF1P3S5NqCvXi8oQG1VeMT/s400/St+Thomas+Chapel+Boys09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387222814664777362" /></a><br />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.Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-78128152545185249872009-08-06T07:19:00.000-07:002009-08-06T07:22:38.928-07:00A proud Mother<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-_GWws0vza27LWFMUEinc3Bp9Hs2OuE7Tg7yjsI74HC2Wtp0Pdj5vsQIvgMnCFWmA6m22B0tqfIpLarQA-J82swN3U6sAFpzXDHiXJI7qj0wb4yKjtoMfAIKI_8lIZ8P28ppS7ok6Snx/s1600-h/July+STC+09+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-_GWws0vza27LWFMUEinc3Bp9Hs2OuE7Tg7yjsI74HC2Wtp0Pdj5vsQIvgMnCFWmA6m22B0tqfIpLarQA-J82swN3U6sAFpzXDHiXJI7qj0wb4yKjtoMfAIKI_8lIZ8P28ppS7ok6Snx/s320/July+STC+09+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366856035329939970" /></a><br />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.<br />Two-Spots the Cat and her 3 kittens.Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-32963255455817382322009-08-06T07:11:00.000-07:002009-08-06T07:19:16.085-07:00A Special Gift<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ49QkzUG0-K3ipUKLHtzjQBIi_CZzt7jUcF9Rj8D-Cf7Gkm4C14SeAoAFQY8_bY4g_LnVAhTfiSUAyz18nTgj85bSFHa-Qtxxoiz7yjH18S8ulujO7UW8hS1fnfDzU6Z46Qs5MvI7LHTD/s1600-h/July+STC+09+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ49QkzUG0-K3ipUKLHtzjQBIi_CZzt7jUcF9Rj8D-Cf7Gkm4C14SeAoAFQY8_bY4g_LnVAhTfiSUAyz18nTgj85bSFHa-Qtxxoiz7yjH18S8ulujO7UW8hS1fnfDzU6Z46Qs5MvI7LHTD/s320/July+STC+09+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366854228850191746" /></a><br />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.<br />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.<br />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.Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-88387005266589552402009-08-03T22:26:00.000-07:002009-08-03T22:27:33.861-07:00After the War - What next?The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo<br /> <br />CEYLON 090722-1<br />July 22, 2009<br /><br />Dr N. M. Perera commemoration Symposium 13th July 2009<br /><br />(A modified version of the presentation)<br /><br />[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />1. The physical repercussions. This includes the loss of lives, displacement and destruction to property and livehoods.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />* 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.<br /><br />* 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.<br /><br />* 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.<br /><br />* 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.<br /><br />2. Psychological repercussions. This has much to do with the “Winner-Loser” syndrome leading to the “Insider-Outsider” complex.<br /><br />* 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.<br /><br />* 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.<br /><br />* 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.<br /><br />3. Repercussions on our understanding of conflict resolution and the democratic way.<br /><br />* 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.<br /><br />* 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.<br /><br />* 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.<br /><br />Conclusion<br /><br />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.<br /><br />These are:<br /><br />1. The care and support of the vulnerable and the poor, always.<br /><br />2. The condemnation of all types of violence, especially killings, always.<br /><br />3. The affirmation of dialogue, negotiation, and compromise in our decision making, always.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I commend these values to our political leadership and the people of our beloved Lanka.<br /><br /><br />Thank you.<br />+ Duleep de Chickera<br />Bishop of ColomboRevd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-63495511783676858432009-06-17T08:48:00.000-07:002009-06-17T09:23:29.114-07:00Talent Show<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOnMxw2FHeiVuWajM6ZqlpYHzrCNS6I7L-FvvyA39UZH_wfk3l_lrvEnJbq1yJNmp0nms7-vthw6tRFhZYbVZGe118N6WHGfESe-UWNlMmSqNC6v5St91wGa1iARHVqwSy4bKSAgy9vCp/s1600-h/May+2009+059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOnMxw2FHeiVuWajM6ZqlpYHzrCNS6I7L-FvvyA39UZH_wfk3l_lrvEnJbq1yJNmp0nms7-vthw6tRFhZYbVZGe118N6WHGfESe-UWNlMmSqNC6v5St91wGa1iARHVqwSy4bKSAgy9vCp/s320/May+2009+059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348330150010086562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwhmkjb6bJW39LmJ0MGGe89flSjcVPUHQIifFF3I1XwmWg9WzoAm9nJdN8uUNWnYGQbuh4dn0yCUPYqWu442SQzjAhUBuaS2Os2QvEt3E3p0u9enYCj1v4wJqHbnTG4T_EucWyW8sND36/s1600-h/May+2009+047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwhmkjb6bJW39LmJ0MGGe89flSjcVPUHQIifFF3I1XwmWg9WzoAm9nJdN8uUNWnYGQbuh4dn0yCUPYqWu442SQzjAhUBuaS2Os2QvEt3E3p0u9enYCj1v4wJqHbnTG4T_EucWyW8sND36/s320/May+2009+047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348328748617831266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zTQAfJIovADCfW7PqPxm46jgIH2UsdAWZ2GYQUe8EIe3fsnG96tUn_KBHGrQwVzTtf8O1AbP76WvBrjzyfP3cLuk9QYwpcvZjjc4syQea53jS0JbDaIJvLm00ZsWg1NACjBj5Y5xoDiD/s1600-h/May+2009+033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zTQAfJIovADCfW7PqPxm46jgIH2UsdAWZ2GYQUe8EIe3fsnG96tUn_KBHGrQwVzTtf8O1AbP76WvBrjzyfP3cLuk9QYwpcvZjjc4syQea53jS0JbDaIJvLm00ZsWg1NACjBj5Y5xoDiD/s320/May+2009+033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348327329286392818" /></a><br />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.<br />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.Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-43162400083217281572009-06-17T07:43:00.001-07:002009-09-30T04:37:41.263-07:00More Pics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcD_7Drig_BGgCRyNkUreN2JNEauUYrtT0CeThmwH1ISdDmv5GTVT2zSgGpEzNijfVUDpoJMWiBu6Pi12tMVM_7GVSspTOxJCE0R_HLxTLRNPkz16y-o_GvoHeYLYY3bYdlLiq1wbjaQ-3/s1600-h/Menik+Fam+Camp2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcD_7Drig_BGgCRyNkUreN2JNEauUYrtT0CeThmwH1ISdDmv5GTVT2zSgGpEzNijfVUDpoJMWiBu6Pi12tMVM_7GVSspTOxJCE0R_HLxTLRNPkz16y-o_GvoHeYLYY3bYdlLiq1wbjaQ-3/s320/Menik+Fam+Camp2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348323595410216850" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHlu_iwGQ2SHb-IQ-TVfkqDr1BBLOOlCeYbUYU-dz3DYVVchk7xArPAhZF2xCbPwLHQLF3FWUkmo6Qb4ZAJsK_bRejughNmneTQZ2VNiDBVDjPNYAEyuaHJ030XSVvlQUhDkDm2jvjur1/s1600-h/Menik+Fam+Camp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHlu_iwGQ2SHb-IQ-TVfkqDr1BBLOOlCeYbUYU-dz3DYVVchk7xArPAhZF2xCbPwLHQLF3FWUkmo6Qb4ZAJsK_bRejughNmneTQZ2VNiDBVDjPNYAEyuaHJ030XSVvlQUhDkDm2jvjur1/s320/Menik+Fam+Camp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348307591332203650" /></a><br /><br />These are from the inside of an IDP camp - a section where orphan children are.Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-14472127217655951012009-06-17T07:07:00.000-07:002009-06-17T07:42:31.794-07:00Pictures of Aid being delivered<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIkw5BjhUQ-ozxUb_HOKCnEGetWv3Ss1GNae-eEDF_eVqd26wwFdop3Do3_NpUHemHzFNb83pd7Tj1-yyM9NzFoyklrd9G4WARmTij-xA6FfZjkR9fa0ZKvcZb3-VuO5D0BDgMqmmIg70/s1600-h/toothpaste+aid.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIkw5BjhUQ-ozxUb_HOKCnEGetWv3Ss1GNae-eEDF_eVqd26wwFdop3Do3_NpUHemHzFNb83pd7Tj1-yyM9NzFoyklrd9G4WARmTij-xA6FfZjkR9fa0ZKvcZb3-VuO5D0BDgMqmmIg70/s320/toothpaste+aid.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348299709665573602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZvoaPoH6ChDuZ07POc6gCjpqiF-P3cRWcAEOnBPPoYYNgvDbMEsAJvUht3dL3yHW1xN-RLJjqR5FeBZ5NaKEEXyqxhzt28trrV1kCMt_EipJyI3VB5WbSSPZ_6bNsZm2JqsZau4gB7QG/s1600-h/medicines+idp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZvoaPoH6ChDuZ07POc6gCjpqiF-P3cRWcAEOnBPPoYYNgvDbMEsAJvUht3dL3yHW1xN-RLJjqR5FeBZ5NaKEEXyqxhzt28trrV1kCMt_EipJyI3VB5WbSSPZ_6bNsZm2JqsZau4gB7QG/s320/medicines+idp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348299323596116930" /></a><br />This was delivered to a hospital in Kurunegala.Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-66000094100947107402009-06-17T05:38:00.000-07:002009-06-17T07:07:19.555-07:00IDP Camp Assistance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDwo9Vl-pEtc0iLIf34TZmsWS2oVwjxwuECtxfEE7W_FWQuJ4ffmLv7sYx-I5f5am7meTDpuq6VwT6hUmx4D2W4zDv_kQHXJN1FuCzgSUkydEIibt9djngqIXrJ1BVw1mzrIk5zofs1SB/s1600-h/May+2009+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDwo9Vl-pEtc0iLIf34TZmsWS2oVwjxwuECtxfEE7W_FWQuJ4ffmLv7sYx-I5f5am7meTDpuq6VwT6hUmx4D2W4zDv_kQHXJN1FuCzgSUkydEIibt9djngqIXrJ1BVw1mzrIk5zofs1SB/s320/May+2009+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348297627102532674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD34PXc4LV-TcdjKYQCOue9kWLKN1tEfrItwrSx78e-8XA543X7EX0-qfBOs05Ckl-Mm0ZzauN-ZN7KkiLhShKV9fLpinhjj7bTa3_fuibvNPUIQR7uPNAzmcE83-a6iEEwRRmywIAZJze/s1600-h/May+2009+004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD34PXc4LV-TcdjKYQCOue9kWLKN1tEfrItwrSx78e-8XA543X7EX0-qfBOs05Ckl-Mm0ZzauN-ZN7KkiLhShKV9fLpinhjj7bTa3_fuibvNPUIQR7uPNAzmcE83-a6iEEwRRmywIAZJze/s320/May+2009+004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348278244912952386" /></a><br />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.<br />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.<br /><br />We are currently trying to access some text books and stationary items for approximately 296 orphan children in one of the Menik Farm camps.Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-63583148176497183852009-05-21T08:10:00.000-07:002009-05-21T08:17:55.242-07:00Celebrations in GalleA 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.<br />Here you can see the school band that led the procession to the meeting place.<br /><br />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.Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-10963022314563173102009-05-21T07:47:00.000-07:002009-05-21T08:09:08.790-07:00Asia Sunday 2009Asia Sunday 24th May 2009<br />Country in Focus: Sri Lanka; Theme: Tear Drop<br />Since 1974, Asia Sunday has been celebrated in Asia and amongst ecumenical organizations around the world on the Sunday before Pentecost.<br /><br />Hear are some liturgical resources and prayers:<br />Namo namo mavumkarun<br />We worship you Creator<br />Namo namo midumkarun<br />We worship you Liberator<br />Namo namo sudath murun<br />We worship you Sanctifier<br />Namo namo thiyek murun<br />We worship you O Trinity<br /><br /><br />Lighting the Lamp<br />Ministers will light lamps whilst the following is said slowly:<br />The world is full of darkness and confusion<br />Asia is full of violence and anger<br />Our country is full of pain and suffering.<br />Jesus wept.<br />With a tear drop, the Risen Christ is the light and hope of the world.<br /><br /><br />The Triple Refuge<br />Oba piya devikara saranaya ganimi<br />I take my refuge in you, the Father, accepting you as God.<br />Oba kithu himikara saranaya ganimi<br />I take my refuge in you, the Son, accepting you as God.<br />Oba sudha tindukara saranaya ganimi<br />I take my refuge in you blest Spirit, accepting you as Lord.<br />Oba eka devikara saranaya ganimi<br />I take my refuge in you three, acknowledging you as one God.<br />Oba sura sasunehi saranaya pathami<br />I look for refuge in your holy church<br />Oba ana vinayehi saranaya pathami<br />I look for refuge in your noble word<br />Obe mema sangayehi saranaya pathami<br />I look for refuge in this your communityRevd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-75105775553004051762009-05-21T07:43:00.000-07:002009-05-21T07:45:28.392-07:00Latest Letter from Bishop DuleepBehold, I make all things new<br />A statement by the Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo<br /> <br />CEYLON 090519-1<br />May 19, 2009<br /><br />[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />May the God of creation and compassion raise us to a new life of mutual understanding, respect and loving kindness.<br /><br /><br />The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera<br />Bishop of Colombo<br />19th May 2009Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167433416344252998.post-75164630558501162222009-05-17T09:01:00.000-07:002009-05-17T09:02:28.676-07:00May Letter from Bishop DuleepSri Lankans in Crisis – the Concern of all other Sri Lankans<br />A statement by the Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo<br /> <br />CEYLON 090507-1<br />May 7, 2009<br /><br />[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] <br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />With Peace and Blessings<br />+ Duleep Colombo.<br />7th May 2009Revd Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16226688678384128754noreply@blogger.com0