Bishop's Letter

Written after he returned from the Confirmation service on Sunday - we knew something major had happened during the service because all of a sudden people's phones started beeping with text messages.

Road Race Massacre

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

CEYLON 080407-1 April 7, 2008

[The Church of Ceylon (E-P) - Ceylon] The brutal killing of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, several young athletes, "Marathon Karu", Lakshman de Alwis, the national athletic coach and some security personnel must be condemned without reservation by all right-minded people. A sporting event planned to build community ended with an abrupt and violent shattering of community.

I extend the deepest solidarity and condolences of our Church to all the bereaved. Our Church assures all grieving parents, spouses and children of our prayers. May the God of consolation heal your brokenness and fill you with peace.

This is most likely the work of the LTTE. It follows closely on the Fort Railway Station bombing, in which also several young schoolboy sportsmen from D S Senanayake College were killed. The massacre of the innocents anywhere, benefits no just cause and has no place whatsoever in any agenda for dignity and peace for Sri Lankans.

Such provocative acts of violence spread fear, suspicion and anger. They further widen the gap between our communities and further reduce whatever chances may have existed for peace conversations.

But they can also confront us with the harsh realities of violent human conflict and strengthen our resolve towards an active non-violent resolution of our complex conflict. Sadly, this second option is the one that we as a nation have somehow failed to assert with courage and conviction.

May all peace-loving people of our beloved land even now speak with one voice and strive together to replace violent confrontation with dialogue and negotiations. No substantial democratic political agenda for peace and development will ever be achieved till this is done.


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

Breakfast at Mirihana

Just giving out some breakfast to the people in the Detention Camp!

New Toilets for Mirihana Detention Camp!

Having had a successful Confirmation service, Bishop Duleep de Chickera requested a visit to the Mirihana Detention Camp.
Here are some before and after pictures of the toilets!

Before: Rotting doors, 2 toilets shared between 91 people, no flush or running water facility, open sewage pipes into overflowing open septic pit. Indescribable filth, squalor and stench.

After: Nice new doors, painted inside and outside, tiled floors, running water, beautifully clean! New pipes, brand new enclosed septic pit.

Bomb Blast kills Senior Sri Lankan Minister

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7332952.stm
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmHome.aspx
Please check these links for more info.
Highways minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was attending a function today (Sunday 6th April) to mark the forthcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year when a bomb went off killing him and 11 others including a famous Sri Lankan marathon runner.

Mirihana Easter Garden

Just so you can see what a few of the children from Sunday school have been up to...

Also a picture of our only piece of stained glass in the church.

Alleluia Christ has Risen!

Easter Greetings to all.
A picture of myself and the Vicar's Warden at the dawn Easter Day service.

Just a quick update, the Bangladesh boat men are due to go back to Bangladesh at some point in te near future. The Burmese men though are not cooperating with their embassy, so there is some uncertainty as to their future.
Raising money at the moment to fund a new toilet block, with separate washing/toilet facilities for men and women. Will cost about 175,000 rupees, about £841.
At the moment 91 people are using 2 toilets, men and women together.

Cast Adrift for 17 days...