The Mathew's Serendib Musings

July 2010 Update

2010-07-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

We hope that you will continue to support us through your prayers and if applicable financial support.

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.

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.

Jesu pi hi ty,

Becky

Clergy Synod

2010-04-29T05:02:00.000-07:00

Next 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.
Our synod concludes with the Bishop Cyril Abeynaike Memorial Lecture by Prof Priyan Dias, "Is science very different from religion".

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.

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.

Update

2010-04-29T04:51:00.000-07:00

It'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.
However, we are getting ready for the beginning of the second term here at S. Thomas', hence the update.

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.
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.
Below is the text of a poem she wrote, which I was privileged to read at her funeral service:

‘Suffering’

Suffering is when

One feels bereft of

Loved ones, friends and colleagues,

When in the dark night

One grapples with the unknown

Not knowing what the outcome would be.

Suffering is when,

Poison is pumped into one

To kill those dark ugly cells,

That multiplies rapidly causing cancer

But the poison coursing through the veins

Makes a person half alive.

Suffering is when,

Umpteen needles are pricked into one,

With scant care for the agony and pain,

For saline they say is life giving

And rids the body of toxic

A drink for the dying, food for the weak,

God’s gift of life for her beloved sufferers.

Suffering is when,

My body wracked with pain

I collapsed, fighting for life, alone and scared,

Felt my body being dragged into a deep mire

To surface no more, I cried out in agony,

No more God, No more, let me die.

And then suffering became bearable when,

I felt God’s presence holding my hand,

Telling me gently not to lose faith.

I know I had a companion in my darkest hour.

God shared my pain, my agony and tears,

Leading me safely through the valley of death.

And yet, suffering became bearable when,

With heartfelt gratitude I could say,

Thank you God for strengthening me

For friends and loved ones near and far

For prayers and vigils of the known and unknown,

For the medical staff so sure yet gently

Thank you God for the friends around me,

Whose friendship I share in our common suffering.

Election Fever Part 2

2010-01-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

Despite 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.
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.
Hold on a minute - you mean to say that the main opposition person running for the Presidential seat hasn't been allowed to vote?
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.
Only in Sri Lanka....

Election Fever

2010-01-22T01:34:00.000-08:00

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T04:40:00.000-08:00

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...

Former Bishop of Colombo has died.

2009-12-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-17T21:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-11-09T04:58:00.000-08:00

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'

2009-11-04T01:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T08:10:00.000-08:00

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

2009-09-30T04:42:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-30T04:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-06T07:11:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-08-03T22:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-17T07:43:00.001-07:00

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

Pictures of Aid being delivered

2009-06-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

This was delivered to a hospital in Kurunegala.

IDP Camp Assistance

2009-06-17T05:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

Ah the joy of a nice cool shower!

Easter Sunday

2009-04-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-25T22:23:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-16T07:41:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-16T03:43:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-03-01T03:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-03-01T03:03:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-02-26T03:15:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-26T03:01:00.000-08:00

House Blessing

2009-02-26T02:31:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-19T20:32:00.001-08:00

St Thomas College Gurutawla

2009-02-19T19:51:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-19T19:40:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-19T19:29:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-04T02:23:00.000-08:00

The Protection of Civilians

2009-02-04T02:22:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-14T07:22:00.000-08:00

Photos - Upper School

2009-01-14T07:05:00.000-08:00

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.

Photos -Chapel & Chaplain!

2009-01-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

Back in Sunny Sri Lanka

2009-01-11T06:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the gap in blogging - we are staying temporary in the Warden's bungalow at St Thomas' College whilst our house is fumigated due to a white ant invasion. So we are still packed up in cardboard boxes awaiting our move... The living room here is bigger then my whole entire annexe in Mirihana so we are enjoying the luxury of space! At the moment the school has no Warden, so the sub-warden Mr Harshana Perea is the Acting Warden - please pray for him as he takes on extra duties and responsibilities.

Sadly our storage room got broken into whilst we were away and our oven got taken. Shemil was overjoyed however that no theology books went missing - thank goodness.

The timetable at St Thomas' means early rising for Becky - being in chapel by 6.45am and leading morning prayer for over 400 boys at 7.30am. However as school finishes at 1.30pm and staff leave at around 3.30pm there is plenty of the day left for catching up with friends and parishoner from Mirihana and enjoying walks on the nearby beach.

Will post some uptodate pics in the next few days - watch this space!

Latest Link Adventures

2008-12-15T03:59:00.001-08:00

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

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

Bishop Duleep's latest Press Release

2008-12-09T03:34:00.001-08:00

The Killing of a Religious Leader

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

CEYLON 081208-1
December 5, 2008

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

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

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

With Peace and Blessings to all

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

Am I going nuts?

2008-12-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

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

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

Visit to Great Wymondley & St Ippolyts

2008-12-04T10:52:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

Visit to Ripon & Leeds

2008-12-04T10:47:00.001-08:00

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

Next Visits

2008-11-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

Please pray for our visits to:

Thursday 27th November Church House - Ripon & Leeds Diocese

Sunday 30th November: St Ippolyts, Herts

Sunday 7th Dec: Cheadle, Manchester

Sunday 14th Dec: St James', Enfield Highway

Curry & Conversation at Cuddesdon

2008-11-24T12:31:00.000-08:00

Another night of curry!
This time with the students and staff at Ripon College Cuddesdon.

Quick Trip to Liverpool

2008-11-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

The European capital of culture - and all Becky was interested in was the 'lambanana'.

Link Visit to St Margaret's Ingol

2008-11-24T12:18:00.001-08:00

Sunday November 23rd saw us back in Lancashire for a visit to our friends in Ingol. We were able to talk about our work in Sri Lanka and share with the congregation some of our stories and experiences.

Look what's cooking!

2008-11-24T12:06:00.001-08:00

Mmm how do you like your curry?
The good folk of Broughton and Fulwood - courtesy of the Vicar, invited us into the kitchen for an afternoon of grinding, chopping and sweating.
Gordon Ramsey or Shemil Mathew? I know who I would prefer in my kitchen!

Cuddesdon

2008-11-07T10:45:00.000-08:00

We are currently living at Ripon College Cuddesdon, an Anglican theological college in the wilds of Oxfordshire countryside!

Traveller's Tales

2008-10-31T07:50:00.000-07:00

Myself and Shemil were recently interviewed for Traveller's Tales -a weekly radio program for Premier Christian Radio.
Becky will be broadcast on Sunday 30th November at 2.30pm and Shemil will be broadcast on Sunday 4th January at 2.30pm.

Bishop Duleep's Pastoral Address to Diocesan Council

2008-10-28T08:22:00.001-07:00

Restorative Justice in the Healing of our Nation

The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo

CEYLON 081025-1
October 25, 2008

Excerpts from the Pastoral Address of the Bishop to the Diocesan Council on 25th October 2008

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] The tragedy of our Nation is the rapid deterioration of universal human values. People’s rights and needs are being systematically disregarded. This trend is compounded with the absence of a constructive opposition and civil society intervention. The triumph of corruption, intimidation, divisiveness, violence and lawlessness is dangerously gaining social endorsement. Correspondingly, the drive for good governance, social integration and law and order has ceased to motivate the people. Many are either too frightened or pessimistic to attempt change.

To make matters worse the population is being suffocated by the unprecedented high cost of living. While world economic trends make some impact on the cost of living, corruption and the lack of financial vision and planning aggravates the local situation. We often hear of allegations of the abuse of public office for personal gain, and financial extravagance and waste by those holding responsible office. As at present little is being done to arrest this trend which hits the poorest segments of our society, hardest.

The deterioration of law and order continues to be worrying. Brazen and violent acts of crime occur frequently. Media personnel in particular have been subject to assassinations harassment and intimidation. After arrest and a long period of detention without charges, the Sunday Times Columnist Tissanayagam’s case continues to drag. Lawyers who intervene in human rights cases are subject to acts of violence and threats. The attack on Mr Weliamuna’s house is a current case in point. In-spite of the rhetoric hardly any detections are made by an otherwise alert intelligence service. The net result is that the natural course of justice is seriously impeded and the people increasingly lose confidence in the law enforcement authorities.

Plight of Tamil Civilians

The Tamil community continues to undergo severe hardship in all parts of the Country. Many are trapped in the struggle for military supremacy and the divisive political agendas of the warring sides. Tamils are also treated with growing suspicion and are subject to harassment as the anti terrorist propaganda taints them all as threats to National security. The recent requirement for Tamils only, from the North and East to register with the police, sent out signals that Tamils particularly must be kept under surveillance. Little thought was given to the hostility that these equal citizens consequently encounter in their neighbourhoods.

The inability of the majority of sensible peace loving Sri Lankans to discern the signs of the times contributes to this worsening situation. We today breathe the political air we have helped to create. What we are now experiencing is; ‘anomie’ a word coined by the early 20th Century sociologist Durkheim to describe a society influenced by the absence of norms. For Durkheim the way out of ‘anomie’ was through education; both formal and non formal. We however need a much more comprehensive counter-trend to return to a value based society.

What this Country needs immediately is an ethos of democratic pluralism in which dissent will be welcome, diversity respected and minorities treated as equals. Visionary and inclusive leaders and multi cultural schooling will be indispensable for this process. It is as we stop demonising the other and our children associate with each other that we will learn to co-exist.

The need for dialogue

Our violent approach to resolving conflict and historic grievance must also change. Security is a requirement in a modern State. But war, the recognition that our own will be killed in confrontation, even out of provocation or desperation, is never the answer. Time tested methods of dealing with conflict such as negotiations, dialogue, consensus and compromise need to be affirmed and pursued instead. From here we will grow to understand that the devolution of political power within an united Nation is the path that an enlightened people travel. Our numerous peace conversations and agreements of the past and the experiences of other countries are resources that need to be harnessed with humility.

A substantial answer to the erosion of law and order is the implementation of the 17th amendment. This will ensure impartiality and accountability in the sectors that maintain law and order and lead to the reduction of corruption and crime. It will also enable Civil Society, the Media and the several democratic institutions to impact on the process of good governance.

The Church, like all religions has a part to play in this transformation. A particular contribution that the Church can offer towards the healing of the Nation is restorative justice. This demanding but rewarding shift will enable forgiveness and reconciliation and bring healing to both victim and perpetrator. It breaks the cycle of revenge.

We should however bear in mind that Christians are just as much to blame for what our Nation has become. So we are called to demonstrate both repentance and faithfulness in Christ. We must be converted and take on the role of servants, pastors and prophets. It is only then that we will become useful instruments of peace, justice and reconciliation in the Nation.

Ecumenism

In November this year our Diocese will join a Confederation of Churches along with several Churches affiliated with the National Christian Council. On the two previous occasions that we met at Council we voted almost unanimously to do so. This is now a decision that we are committed to. I once again remind all our Clergy and Congregations to study the changes this will bring and to enter this new relationship with humility and hope.

Confederation will require us to deliberate and act together with our sister Churches in our common witness for Christ in Sri Lanka today. Our choice for Confederation will from now on deprive us of the right to refrain from joint action in certain agreed areas. We will be called to discover our place in a wider fellowship and process and this will take time. There could also be set-backs. But if we are prepared to work hard and move with humility and discernment, the common witness of our churches will be enhanced and Christ honoured. So may we rise up, pick up the basin and be prepared to wash one another’s feet.

If we give this step and the process that follows our best effort in Christ there is every possibility that we will grow together into a United Church under Christ for Sri Lanka. I call the Diocese to study, prayer and commitment and urge as many as possible to attend the services on the 30th of November in Colombo and elsewhere.

Inter-faith solidarity

Important as Confederation is I would like to place this step in the context of a much wider calling. Denominational ecumenism should always be a step in the direction of wider ecumenism and National Integration. Our coming together in Christian Confederation must foster greater understanding among the faiths and communities of our beloved Sri Lanka.

This is necessary for several good reasons; but let me mention two. We are a Nation of worldreligions and we are a Nation in turmoil. We are therefore compelled to live with mutual respect for each other and to harness our collective spiritualities and resources to bring stability and dignity for all our people.

I am immensely grateful for all initiatives taken by our Clergy and Congregations in building inter-faith solidarity leading to social trust in various parts of the Country. My Pastoral visit in early September to Vavuniya ended with a Dana given by the Chief Incumbent of Vavuniya. The local Christian leaders who participated were all Tamils. Our conversation around the table centred on our role as religious leaders in the current National crises. Here then, is just one example of how inter faith solidarity contributes to social trust in a very tense part of the Country.

This excellent work must go on but there is now a new emphasis that is required. These friendships of solidarity need to be directed towards the interaction between the Gospel/Dhama and our socio-political context. Sadly for some, perhaps many, the context leads to a compromised redefinition of the Gospel/Dhamma. This is not a stance that faithful adherents of any religion are expected to adopt. The better way and indeed the only way of faithfulness is that the Gospel/Dhamma should highlight the discrepancies in the context and then offer a vision of hope and steps towards peace.

So it is imperative that the Gospel/Dhamma should compel us to speak and respond to situations of war, poverty, corruption, human rights violations, injustice, oppression, intimidation, discrimination and so on. We must never grow weary of striving in this direction. We must never imagine that evil will triumph over our shared spiritualities. We must never be silent even if all around us voices grow dim. We must repeatedly reclaim our right to intervene on behalf of the people and refuse to allow this to be the sole domain of the politician. The promise of transformation and hope for all our people is adequate to sustain this journey.

Lambeth Conference 2008

There were three prominent thrusts that echoed through the Lambeth Conference (of Anglican Bishops that I was privileged to attend this year). These were first, the recognition that God was at work in and through the Anglican Communion. Stories and experiences that were shared, demonstrated the humble faithfulness of Anglicans in varied challenging contexts. This very positive feature must never ever be forgotten or hidden by the undue publicity that the current controversy receives.

Second, there was the assertion that our common heritage, traditions, spirituality and practices were far more stronger than our differences. While recognising that differences must be addressed, an overwhelming majority of Bishops present, wanted to stay together. We did not see separation or schism as a way forward in Christ.

Finally, there was unanimous acceptance that the crises of the world required our energy and attention over and above our internal disputes. We realised that it was here that faithfulness in our witness and mission would be tested. In fact the call to respond to Gods torn and divided world as a reconciled Body was seen as perhaps the strongest reason for the Communion to heal our divisions and learn to live with our differences.

Recent and Future Link Visits

2008-10-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

Since we got back to the UK Sept 11th life has been a bit hectic!

Friday 19th-21st September: CMS Selection Conference
( We were selected as Mission Partners...)

Sunday 28th September: Visit to Shillington Parish Church in St Alban's Diocese

Friday 3rd October: Wedding Blessing at St John Baptist, Kingstone.

Sunday 11th Oct: Link visit to Ashwell (see below).

Friday 17th - 19th Oct: Prayer Fellowship for South Asia Conference

Sunday 26th Oct: Visit to St Peter's, Littleover, Derby Diocese.

Sunday 1st November: No visit
Sunday 8th November: No visit

Saturday 15th-16th Nov: Link Visit St John Baptist, Broughton, Blackburn Diocese.

Sunday 23rd Nov: Link Visit St Margaret's Ingol, Blackburn Diocese

Thursday 27th Nov: Visit to Ripon & Leeds Diocesan Offices

Sunday 30th Nov: Link Visit to St Ippolyts, Herts.

Sunday 7th Dec : Visit to Cheadle, Nr Manchester.

St Thomas College

2008-10-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

You should be able to see a white building on the right of the picture. God willing the bottom floor will be our new home from next Jan 2009. The bedrooms look out onto the cricket wicket!
In the background you can see a row of palm trees and a red roof- that's a restaurant on the beach.

Final Day at the Detention Centre

2008-10-27T13:40:00.001-07:00

Here are some more pics of breakfast at the Detention Centre....

Traveller's Tales

2008-10-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

We are going to be interviewed for the Premier Radio show 'Traveller's Tales' which is broadcast on a Sunday afternoon.

Watch this space for dates...

Link Visit to Ashwell

2008-10-17T07:31:00.001-07:00

Just to prove we are not only doing our academic studies, but we are spending time visiting our link churches, here is a pic of us with the Vicar of St Mary's Ashwell with St Nicholas Hinxworth in the Diocese of St Albans.
Our visit took place over the weekend of 11th/12th October and we were privileged to meet the congregations of both Ashwell and Hinxworth and together celebrated the baptism of baby James - a member of St Mary's congregation.

St Mary's is well known for its medieval graffiti scattered throughout the church building. The writing located in the tower indicates that the Plague came to the village in 1350 and left in 1361 when there were severe gales. Whereas the graffiti on the pillars ranges from the serious wisdom "as many joys of the font as there are sorrows of Calvary's cross" to the more humorous,
"The Archdeacon is an ass" and "the corners are not jointed correctly. I spit on them" no doubt from an upset architect.

Don't believe me?
Go take a look at the website:http://www.stmarysashwell.org.uk/church/graffiti_pillars.htm

Back in Blighty

2008-10-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the blog absence!
We arrived back in the UK on Sept 11th and have been busy with lectures, link visits and of course our UK wedding blessing!

We continue to get news from Sri Lanka and the situation continues to worsen. All NGO (Red Cross, Save the Children) personnel have been asked to leave the Vanni area as government troops are now closing in on the LTTE strong hold of Kilinochi. As no journalists are allowed into these areas it is difficult to get an accurate picture of what is exactly happening.
The civilian population in these areas are now leaving in massive numbers fearing bombings, landmines and other military activities. About 200,000 are estimated to be displaced - but the numbers are going up all the time.
The government have now announced that it needs a 20% increase in defence spending for 2009 taking it to a record 1.6 billion dollars.

Another Bomb Blast in Colombo

2008-08-30T04:41:00.000-07:00

Today - Saturday 30th August there is news of at least 43 people being injured by a bomb blast in an area of Colombo known as the Pettah. A popular place for shopping especially on a Saturday lunchtime.

According to the BBC website aid agencies say that there are now more than 134,000 displaced civilians in the North of the island.

Our retreat leader was a Roman Catholic priest working in Jaffna both as a parish priest and university lecturer. He can confirm that huge numbers of people are now living under trees and in open areas. The government has promised safe passage to IDP camps, but there is controversy concerning conditions and treatment at these camps. It took him 10 days to get permission to come down to Colombo for the retreat- going from different camps and checkpoints trying to find someone who could arrange a pass.

2 of our Diocesan clergy were unable to travel to Colombo for the retreat.

Bishop's Latest Press Release

2008-08-29T04:17:00.000-07:00

A Call to Protect Civilians

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

CEYLON 080827-1
August 27, 2008

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] People of conscience are perturbed that the current war in the LTTE occupied Vanni places the majority of civilians at tremendous risk. Unarmed and trapped in this war zone, large numbers of civilians, including children, are caught in the intense cross-fire of a deadly armed confrontation. Thousands are already displaced and can flee only to places of temporary safety.

The situation faced by these civilians is even more desperate since they cannot act independently. They are under conflicting pressure from both sides to support their respective strategies of movement and fear reprisals if they do not. Their dilemma adds to their suffering.

Since both the GOSL and the LTTE claim they are in this war for the liberation of these very civilians, it is imperative that they jointly invite and assist the ICRC and UNHCR to set up peace corridors and peace zones for the safety of civilians. My Roman Catholic colleague, the Rt Revd Thomas Savundaranayagam, Bishop of Jaffna, has already made this suggestion and it needs to be reiterated. If for some reason these agencies are unable to intervene, then an inter-religious group of leaders must be invited to do so.

The Government’s assurance that food, infant milk powder, medicine and other essential commodities are being supplied to the people of this region is to be commended. This process must be monitored by a senior Cabinet Minister in collaboration with the civil administration in the Vanni. It will also require facilitation by the military if it is to function smoothly in the circumstances of the war.

The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera
Bishop of Colombo
27th August 2008

Breakfast at the Detention Centre

2008-08-21T06:03:00.000-07:00

A real blessing this morning - wasn't sure if we would have enough food for the large number of detainees at the centre, but after the reading of the feeding of the 5,000, we discovered we had more than enough to give out.

More Wedding Pics

2008-08-21T05:34:00.000-07:00

Wedding Pics!

2008-08-03T04:47:00.000-07:00

Mr & Mrs Mathew

The first preacher at the Lambeth Conference...

2008-07-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Bishop Duleep preaching to 650 Bishops and invited guests in Canterbury Cathedral at the opening service of the Lambeth Conference.

Sermon given by the Right Reverend Duleep de Chickera, the Bishop of Colombo

We gather in this impressive, awesome, magnificent cathedral this morning as representatives of several nations, several cultures, several tongues. And certainly as representatives of several Christian denominations, and other living faiths.

This is a joyful and a sacred moment, and I would like to suggest that we keep a pause in our worship to express our gratitude and our thanks to God for all those responsible for shaping our Anglican identity, for nourishing our spirituality, and for helping in the formation of our common life through the centuries and in so many parts of the world.

The text that I have for our reflection on this occasion is the ninth verse of the twelfth chapter of St Paul's second letter to the Corinthians - a familiar text for all of us: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Paul is here both confessing and proclaiming the paradox of grace in the Christian Gospel. It is, as we increasingly recognise and acknowledge our vulnerability in our journey of discipleship in Christ and with Christ, that we receive grace to be, and to become, faithful disciples. And I want you to hold on to this text because it is the idea that will undergird our thinking through the rest of this reflection. The recognition of our vulnerability is what makes growth possible in Christian discipleship.

There are two realities that encompass us as we meet as a world family of the Anglican Communion. And I would like to draw your attention to both these realities, without which our conference and our forward journey will become meaningless.

The first is that our world is a torn and divided world. Bishops are expected to bring their dioceses with them to the Lambeth Conference, and Bishops whose dioceses strive to be faithful by the challenges that come to us from God's world will inevitably bring along with their diocese the pain and the struggles, the injustice, the evil, the hostility that men and women encounter in today's world. It is indeed a true saying that God gives the Church an agenda out of the crises of the world. And so my dear sisters and brothers in Christ, the Anglican Communion must always give the highest priority to our invitation from Christ to participate with Christ in transforming God's world. To bring healing, peace, justice, reconciliation, abundant life, where there is oppression, where there is hostility, where there is strife, and division. This concept of the world in pain must, through this conference and after the conference, receive the energy and spirituality of our Church. No other priority can contend for that place. God has called us and placed us in God's world so that we might participate with him in bringing this transformation.

The second reality is the reality that we are a wounded community. Some of us are not here, and that is an indication that all is not well. Certainly the crisis is complex. It is not a crisis that can be resolved instantly.

The journey ahead is a long arduous one - a journey that will demand our prayers, our faithfulness, our mutual trust in each other, and of course our trust in God who makes reconciliation possible.

I would like to draw your attention to the parable that was read as the Gospel: the words of the master were wise words. Let them grow together.

There can and there must be no uprooting, simply because if we attempt this game of uprooting the unrighteous then, my dear sisters and brothers, none of us will remain. We are all a mix of the wheat and the weeds. The wisdom of these words suggest that we stay together because we draw from a common soil, a common tradition, a common heritage. We are what we are regardless of our differences, because of our common life together and our origins. Transformation comes in this interaction, and transformation must come from within.

In Jaffna, the northernmost part of the Diocese of Colombo, a church is being converted into a centre for conflict analysis and peace – Christ Church, Jaffna. The church has been renovated after several bouts of bombing and shelling. Something is emerging: a mandate and an agenda for peace and reconciliation in this place, but we have decided that we will retain the marks and the scars of war on the walls of this church. Transformation comes from within. The old gradually converts as men and women pray and talk and dialogue, and even disagree as we must, but call to mind repeatedly that disciples of Jesus stay together and journey together.

There are three challenges that I like to leave for us as we address the objectives of this Lambeth Conference:- to strengthen our Anglican identity, and to enable bishops to be leaders in God's mission. Here are three thoughts that could contribute both to identity and mission.

The first is: our communion must return to the discipline and the practice of self-scrutiny. We have a rich tradition that supports this discipline - the retreat, the quiet time, contemplation, meditation, spiritual counsellors, all of which enhance this practice and discipline of men and women coming to God in stillness to evaluate and examine their lives:- the parable of the plank and the speck of dust. Christ calls us to be hard on ourselves and Christ calls us to consider him only as our measure and our standard. So we stand and evaluate our lives in relation to the fullness and the abundance of life in Jesus. And then when lapses and shortcomings are detected we work with the Spirit to overcome, to grow, to become beautiful and faithful in the eyes of Christ. Mind you, the standard is always Christ.

It's not that bishop who is giving you trouble. It's not that archdeacon whose theology always irritates you (and there are a few around like that). Self-scrutiny is possible in the Christian journey as we stand naked before Jesus the Christ.

The second challenge that I'd like to leave with you, is one that we need to resuscitate and declare again and again, and that is the challenge of unity in diversity. As I look around and see you, I see this wonderful unity in diversity. Shortly, when the sacrament is administered, lips from numerous countries, numerous nationalities, numerous cultures will touch the same cup. We are united in spite of the fact that we are different, because in Christ we are equal. There's enough to go around if none will be greedy.

Here my dear sisters and brothers is an insight of what the Church is called to be: an inclusive communion, where there is space equally for everyone and anyone, regardless of colour, gender, ability, sexual orientation. Unity in diversity is a cherished Anglican tradition – a spirituality if you like, which we must reinforce in all humility for the sake of Christ and Christ's Gospel.

The third challenge that I have for you is that of the prophetic voice. Very often people say: "all this talk of reconciliation is not complete unless we address and deal with the injustice of the world." And so the Anglican Communion must articulate this prophetic voice regardless of where we serve in the world. Now as many of you will be aware, the prophetic voice has two strands, and it is imperative that these strands are held together. The first is the prophetic voice is a voice for the voiceless. There are those who for political reasons, cultural reasons, economic reasons, military reasons, cannot speak for themselves, or if they do, they do so at tremendous risk. And so the Anglican Communion must speak on their behalf - whether it is the crisis in Sri Lanka, whether it is the crisis in Zimbabwe, or Sudan, or Afghanistan or Iraq.
The voiceless must be given a voice through the leadership of the Anglican Communion. The second strand that goes with a voice for the voiceless, is the calling into accountability of those who abuse power: authoritarian regimes who oppress and suppress the people. The prophetic voice will ask poignant, relevant questions: "why", and sometimes, "how dare you?"

Two other comments about the prophetic tradition - in a sense the prophetic voice is monotonous. It's the same thing as long as the problem remains. And so, you don't need to worry if you're not saying anything new. Relentless monotony. And the second feature is that there is no self-interest in the prophetic tradition. We speak for justice and order in God's world, and we speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.

I want to conclude by quoting one of my favourite Archbishops - Archbishop William Temple, who once said: "The Church is the one institution that does not live for itself." My dear sisters and brothers, as we move from this wonderful retreat, through this beautiful eucharist into our conference, let us hold on these word. For here is the crux of Anglican identity, and here is the crux of Anglican spirituality. We do not live for ourselves, and all our energy, all our gifts are directed to abundant life for the other. Amen.

The cost of Lankan living

2008-07-10T22:57:00.000-07:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7498969.stm

A strike was held yesterday for public sector workers, but didn't really make much of an impact. The price of goods has increased by 30% this year leading to high inflation.

Everyone is feeling the price increases; business people, estate workers, garment manufacturers, civil service workers, teachers, tri-shaw drivers and of course those living on pensions or begging on the streets. Churches are feeling the strain too...

Why we should drink Fairly Traded tea

2008-07-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

This photo is of 9 glass drinks bottles which I can take to my supermarket and receive 10rupees for each bottle.

Half a day's wages for a tea picker.

It will take me just a few minutes to walk to my local supermarket.

A tea-picker will work from 6am to 4pm in difficult weather conditions.

My bag will weigh just a few pounds, their sacks will weigh about 25-30 kilos.

The price of rice has continued to rise - it is now costing 65 rupees per kilo.

That's nearly a third of your daily wage on ONE food item.

Please, please try to purchase fairly traded tea.

As the Big Day draws closer...

2008-07-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

My house!

2008-07-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

Thought you might like to see my first floor annexe- combined living room/kitchen. With no cooker, oven or grill I prepare most of my meals on this gas stove! The views are of my next door neighbour's garden who has some beautiful trees, including a huge bamboo stack and a small banana tree. Just as I was taking the photos - I noticed a man up a tree cutting down some coconuts- if you look really close you can see his arm hidden in the palm leaves! Can you spot him on the way down? He looked to be in his 60s if not older!

Visa Extension

2008-07-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

Hooray- Praise to the Lord and Sri Lanka ministry of Immigration - I am permitted to stay for another 12 months!

Bishop's Statement

2008-07-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

Bishop Duleep is currently in the UK with his wife, attending the Lambeth Conference. He will be travelling to our link Diocese of Ripon & Leeds on Friday 11th July. Bishop Duleep will be preaching at the official opening service of the Lambeth Conference on Sunday July 20th at Canterbury Cathedral.

Media Freedom Must be Ensured with Security

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

CEYLON 080707-1
July 7, 2008

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] The current unabated wave of violence against media personnel must be a serious concern to all citizens of the country. Intimidation against the media is a violation of the rights of the people to information.

The most recent attack on Namal Perera and Mahendra Ratnaweera in broad daylight on a busy road in Colombo must be condemned unreservedly by all Sri Lankans.

The long detention of Tissanayagam without a clearly stated reason remains a continuing concern to many. The country, and indeed the world, cannot understand why this Sri Lankan journalist is being treated this way. I urge the President to personally look into his detention. Investigations must be expedited. If found guilty of an offence, he must be tried under the law. If he is innocent, he must be released immediately.

The inability of the authorities so far to investigate the several acts of violence and prosecute the perpetrators cannot simply be attributed to incompetence or the absence of evidence. A very sophisticated intelligence system now prevails in the country. Consequently the process of law and order must be allowed to take its independent course so that both professional freedom and personal security are ensured for all media personnel.

Many media personnel and their families have paid a very costly and personal price and we will never know the psychological trauma and physical damage done to them. I extend the solidarity and assurance of the prayers of our Church to all those who have suffered and whose dignity has been violated in the exercise of your professional and civic responsibilities. Many remain indebted to you.

I call upon all Parliamentarians and Cabinet Ministers, irrespective of political party affiliation, to raise and debate this issue. You are obliged to do so. You cannot remain silent or justify this trend.

With peace and blessings to all.

The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera
Bishop of Colombo
7th July 2008

Mother's Union Fund-Raising

2008-07-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

Trying to raise a bit more cash to repair the Vicarage - I will try and take some photos to show the damage!
The Mother's Union held a sale and raised about 75,000 rupees, about 360 pounds sterling. Well done ladies and lads! Just short of the lakh (100,000) mark.

Mirihana Detention Centre

2008-06-26T01:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/06/26/news29.asp

Foreigner stabs 2 Policemen

Just to add to this - the man was a Iranian national who had come to the camp just over a week ago. He tried to stab one of the detention centre members first, then attacked the policemen as they came to help. Both policemen are now in hospital and so is the attacker as he fell out of a tree whilst trying to escape. The policemen are both known to me and are considered by the detention centre detainees as kind men.

Please pray for those who witnessed the attack as they are deeply shocked by what has happened.

On a happier note, I am pleased to say that 14 of the 17 Bangladesh men have now returned back to their country. Unfortunately the few left have not yet had their identities confirmed.

UNICEF are trying to help those from Myanmar to obtain refugee status in Sri Lanka, but who knows what will happen to these men. There futures are currently very uncertain.

Ramo - has now been released and has been reunited with her parents and son again.

We are still waiting to hear about an appointment for Sinthadurai's India visa, we have funding for his ticket though.

18 Indian fishermen were also recently repatriated back to India from the Detention centre.

Sri Lanka's Biggest Export

2008-06-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Concerns rise over treatment of migrant domestic workers in Lebanon

Please see the BBC website for this story

Deja Vu

2008-06-23T06:25:00.000-07:00

It all sound so familiar- Mirihana Detention Centre is currently hosting 18 Indian fishermen...

India may release the 28 Sri Lankans soon

The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai, India yesterday said talks with Indian authorities over the arrest of 28 Sri Lankan fishermen in Indian waters, were a success and expressed confidence that they would be released soon.

As reported by the Daily Mirror, Sri Lanka

Meet Champa & Joel

2008-06-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

Champa and Joel are members of my parish and have 2 boys: Timothy and Eran. Champa trained as a lawyer and Joel is a worker for the Christian mission organisation 'Campus Crusade for Christ', but recently life has been put on hold as Champa is battling with breast cancer. Having endured a first round of treatment, she discovered at the beginning of May another lump which the doctors say is malignant. She now faces the prospect of having a mastectomy. They are fortunate that they live closeby to the Mahargama cancer hospital which offers specialist treatment to all cancer patients irrespective of financial status.

Champa loves to garden and in order to help provide for the family, with Joel's help she has made a vegetable garden on the small balcony that runs around her house. Buckets of tomatoes, carrots, beans, chillis, aubergines and leafy vegetables jostle for space. In this picture I am proudly bearing a vegetable called 'snake gourd' which I was given the honour of cutting!

Please pray for them as Champa continues her chemotherapy and gets ready for this operation.

Unzipped - the Garment Trade

2008-06-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

A BBC television programme to be aired tomorrow exposes how Sri Lankan children at a Tamil Nadu refugee camp were being used to stitch clothes for a huge fashion store in Britain. Primark has already sacked three of its suppliers last week after an investigation for the BBC’s Panorama and The Observer uncovered children labouring in Indian refugee camps to produce some of its cheapest garments.

Statement from Bishop Duleep

2008-06-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

TARGETING OF INNOCENT CIVILIANS MUST END

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

CEYLON 080609-1
June 9, 2008

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] Over the past fortnight, we have had four senseless acts of violence targeting innocent civilians travelling in public transport. The bomb/claymore mine attacks at Dehiwala, Moratuwa and Polgolla were indiscriminate and have every appearance of having been planned and executed by the LTTE. I extend the sympathies and assurance of the prayers of our Church to the families of all those affected by these incidents. May God in God's mercy provide you with strength to face the loss of loved ones.

These attacks achieve nothing except to create a mood of anger in the minds of the people and to further distance our communities from each other. It will be callous and totally unacceptable if indeed the intention of these acts was to create such a mood and climate among the people in the south. Whatever their motive, these actions will only be counter-productive, pushing the prospect of a just and honourable political settlement further away. The deliberate targeting of innocent civilians going about their day's work must stop immediately.

I urge all parties to remain calm. Ethnic relations are fast spinning out of control in our country and exacerbate the economic hardships already faced by our people. I urge the Government and the Opposition to show greater political discernment and maturity to pull our country from this brink. I also urge the LTTE to collaborate with any and all steps towards peace.

With Peace and Blessings.

The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera
Bishop of Colombo
9th June 2008

Wedding Update

2008-06-21T03:15:00.000-07:00

Our wedding service will take place on Saturday July 26th at st Andrew's CSI church, in Pallom, just south of Kottayam.
We will be back in the UK, mid-September for a blessing to take place on Friday 3rd October at St John Baptist Church, Kingstone, Staffs.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers,
Becky & Shemil

Visit to Kelaniya Temple

2008-06-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I took a trip to a nearby temple accompanied by an Anglican lady whose great grand-mother instigated and paid for much of the rebuilding. It is a very famous Temple as it is said that Buddha himself preached in its grounds. Within the main building there is a long statue of a reclining Buddha and some beautiful paintings which commemorate the arrival of the tooth relic into Sri Lanka - hidden in the princess's hair (look closely for her halo) and the arrival of a cutting of the Bo Tree that Buddha himself sat under and attained enlightenment. The tree sapling is accompanied by a female monk, a Bikhuni who can be seen on the boat.
There were many people in the grounds of the Temple, sitting and meditating, some were pouring water onto the Bo Tree, others were crouched on the floor sitting beside the saffron clad monks.

One week on....

2008-06-04T01:32:00.000-07:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7434886.stm

Another train bomb, same place as last week...

Another bomb blast....

2008-05-26T23:50:00.000-07:00

Dehiwela is an area just south of Colombo city on Galle Rd, I happened to be in the area a few days ago. With the recent increase in petrol prices, more people are turning to the trains for transportation. However both train and buses are popular targets for attacks.

Please pray for the parish priest in Dehiwela, Fr Perry Brohier and his congregation at Christ Church, Dehiwela. (Pronounced Deh-va-la).

Text messages have been sent to all warning about unaccompanied packages and bags.

Train bomb kills 9, injures more than 70

By Kurulu Kariyakarawana and Kassapa Ellepola

At least nine people were killed and more than 70 injured when a bomb exploded inside a packed Panadura-bound train at the Dehiwela railway station last evening. Among the victims returning home after work were six females, including a pregnant woman and three males.

The explosion took place minutes after the train that started from Colombo Fort had just moved a few yards from the Dehiwela railway station. According to initial investigations the explosive device, believed to be a two-kilogramme parcel bomb, had been placed on the left side luggage rack of the fifth compartment.

Any Connection?

2008-05-17T08:55:00.001-07:00

Another bomb blast in Colombo

2008-05-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

Eight policeman and two civilians were killed and more than 95 injured when a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-packed motorcycle into a police bus carrying riot squad personnel in an attack that shook the country as it prepared to celebrate Vesak.

The bus was parked on Lotus Road a short distance from the Presidential Secretariat, the Sambuddhaloka Viharaya and the Hilton Hotel. The noon blast that damaged nearby buildings and vehicles occurred just a few hours before the scheduled swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Minister of the Eastern Province and other councillors.

National Hospital Director Dr. Hector Weerasinghe said 17 of the injured were in a serious condition with five being warded in the ICU.

Preliminary police investigations revealed the bike bearing an eastern province number plate had been fitted with some seven kilograms of explosives.

Another Holiday!

2008-05-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

Sri Lanka is truly an island of holidays! Next week - May 19th & 20th marks the Vesak Poya, the most important of Poya days. These take place every month when there is a full moon.
A 3 fold celebration which commemorates the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death which are traditionally thought to have taken place on the day of the Vesak poya.
In addition, the last of the Buddha's three alleged visits to Sri Lanka is claimed to have been on a Vesak poya day. Lamps are lit in front of houses, and platforms decorated with scenes from the life of Buddha (pandals) are erected throughout the country. Cars and buses are decorated with streamers and free food is distributed from roadside stalls.

May Day

2008-05-04T23:47:00.000-07:00

Christian Workers Fellowship Mass
50th Anniversary 2008

Here a few photos of the service I attended last week at St Michael's, Polwatte.
For those interested in liturgy, here are a few excerpts from the Eucharistic Prayer:
Clergy: Let us now lift our hearts
People: To our God we lift our hearts Clergy: Cleansing fire of the Universe, Preserver and Life-giver, O Holy God, we worship you offering heartfelt praise and thanks. People: Of all reality the heart O Dharma eternal and true, Sat-Chit- Ananda are you!
Clergy: O most Gracious God, Truth Primaeval, springhead of all life, nourishing us, Our Mother of all beings Father. From darkness you bring forth light, from chaos you draw out order, out of nature's beauty speaking into fellowship calling us....
... Poor like us and born of woman, knowing toil, a worker by profession Dharma, Truth and Way became human named Jesus and *Taraka by acclaim...

NB *Taraka In Indian cultures, Taraka is one who not only crosses over to the further shore (from suffering to freedom), but also makes others cross over, i.e. Liberator, Saviour. In kalidasa's epic "Kumarasambhava" the child is called Taraka, the one who guides us through the ocean of Samsara,

For more details about the liturgy or a copy, please contact me!

Ghandi Book signing

2008-05-04T01:22:00.000-07:00

Just to prove I met Ela Ghandi! Ghandi's grand-daughter.
She was good enough to sign my book written by the Revd Charles F Andrews about Mahatma Ghandi.

Bishop's Letter April 08

2008-04-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

CEYLON 080428-1
April 28, 2008

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] Last evening's bomb explosion in a bus at Piliyandala, which killed twenty-four civilians and left many injured, is an act of vicious violence and must be condemned. Once again, the finger points to the LTTE.

The recent killing of a Roman Catholic priest, Revd. Fr Karunairatnam in Ambalkulam in the Vanni, was another tragedy in this never ending conflict and must also be condemned. His killing could well have been the work of a military deep penetration unit, now known to operate within these areas.

Reports of fierce military confrontations and aerial bombings in the Vanni have caused and continue to cause very heavy casualties amongst soldiers and cadres on both sides. Every life destroyed is a totally unnecessary death of a son or daughter of our soil. Whether soldiers or cadres or civilians, these are our people who are being killed in a senseless war being fought by those with little political will to resolve our crisis through negotiations.

I express the condolences and prayers of our Church to all Sri Lankans in the North and South who grieve at the loss of loved ones. May the risen Lord, who shares human grief, sustain us through life.

The impact of the conflict also has serious repercussions on the cost of living, which has now reached a crisis stage. The modest and the poor simply cannot make ends meet, and the Government must hear the cries of the people and bring immediate relief. Good governance has everything to do with ensuring the dignity of people and feeding and protecting them. It calls for steering us away from death to life.

Most Sri Lankans view these happenings with utmost concern. We sense a daily worsening and widening of the crisis but are helpless to intervene or conditioned not to do so.

I once again plead with the President and leadership of all political parties to put an end to our differences and to address the sufferings of all our people. We still have able leaders and the necessary skills to work for peace. Please think and speak differently and initiate and nurture practical non-violent steps towards a lasting solution. All communities will walk with you and our children will call you blessed.

With peace and blessings to all

The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera
Bishop of Colombo
26th April 2008

Parishoner Story of Kidnapping and Death Threats

2008-04-27T07:28:00.000-07:00

This evening, Sunday April 27th I have received a phone call from one of my housebound communicants. 'X' and 'Y' are an elderly couple both in their 80s, they have no children, she has a chronic bowel problem and he has heart problems. Having run a children's home for 'differently-abled' children they decided to retire a few years ago. They are now in the process of selling the home and land. The matron of the home arranged for them to meet a 'broker' and between them using threats of assault and violence forced 'X' to sign a document which said that the broker would receive 500,000 rupees (est £2380) from the sale of the land. 3 days ago the broker visited their home to demand they sell for less than half of the asking price. 'X' is unwilling to do so as she has medical bills and other expenses. The matron has refused to leave the property, despite never having had to pay any rent and being given adequate notice, and so 'X' has had to purchase land and build a house for her, as potential buyers were being harassed.
The broker has threatened 'X' that if he sees her on the street he will kidnap her. 'X' had already gone to the police, but as she has signed a legal document, there is not much they are willing to do anything to help. Subsequently this elderly couple are now living in fear, imprisoned in their home and relying on friends to accompany 'X' for her doctor's appointments and shopping.

Please pray for this situation, 'X' and 'Y' are very frightened of what might happen to them if they do not comply with the broker's demands.

CMS meets USPG

2008-04-27T04:29:00.000-07:00

The USPG (United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel) General Secretary, the Rt Revd Bishop Michael Doe is currently on his first visit to Sri Lanka and was invited by the Colombo Diocese Cathedral Institute to give a lecture on 'Anglicans Around the World'.

The lecture was well received and gave a thorough analysis of the present situation concerning the future of the Anglican Communion and the drawing up of an 'Anglican covenant'.
Bishop Michael reflected further on what it meant to be 'in Communion' and indicated that there was a need for Unity through hospitality, Authority through Inter-relatedness, Truth through scripture illuminated by traditon and reason and finally that covenant meant 'travelling with differences'.

Myself and Bishop Michael outside of the Cathedral of the Living Saviour in Colombo.

'Sing -a long' fundraiser

2008-04-27T04:20:00.000-07:00

To raise funds for the Anglican church's Denipitiya Medical Mission based near Weligama, a 'sing-a-long' fundraiser was held. Participants were encouraged to join in with renditions of 'Down by the Riverside', Amazing Grace, 'Roll out the barrels', and many more both English and Sinhala favourites.

The medical mission was began in 1918 and has provided medical provision in an area where there are no hospitals or clinics. Income is also provided through selling a small crop of rubber trees and coconut. Next to me is Mrs Marlene Jayewardena, one of the medical mission committee members and a member of my parish.

A good night was held by all, to note too that the evening was strictly teetotal!

Suffice to say yes I did go dancing!

Bus Bomb Blast 26th April 2008

2008-04-27T04:10:00.000-07:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7368434.stm

Sorry to report yet another bomb blast on a government run bus. 24 people killed, 40 injured.