( January 1, 2013, Colombo, Sri
Lanka Guardian) We the ‘Christian Solidarity Movement’ are alarmed to be
informed that Bishop Rayappu Joseph of the diocese of Mannar has been
questioned by the CID about a statement made by him over the issue of
deportation of asylum seekers, by the Australian government. This is not the
first time that the Bishop has been interrogated by the CID.
It is no secret that Tamil people
are constantly harassed by the military on suspicion for their links with the
LTTE and as a result they are suffering at the hands of the military. The
voiceless Tamil people are really condemned to suffer in silence as a result.
We are very much aware that the
Bishop as a real Shepherd for his people is accessible to anyone and it is to
him that people turn when in distress. He has now become a voice of the
voiceless.
We as the Christian Solidarity
Movement are proud to see him as a rare and extraordinary leader who is
faithfully fulfilling his Christian mission by boldly speaking on behalf of the
suffering Tamil people. Bishop Rayappu Joseph has always spoken about the
current problems faced by his people and denounced some of the barbaric acts
against the innocent.
Further he has always stood in
the past, and will in future, for a just and peaceful political solution which
does not dissolve the identity and the unique culture of the Tamils.
On many occasions, he has urged
the authorities for the establishment of a civil administration to replace the
present practice of involving the military in civil matters. Freedom to
exercise their democratic rights, we believe is a prerequisite for a democracy.
In fact establishment if civil administration is one of the recommendations of
the LLRC report.
In this instance we remain in
solidarity with Bishop Rayappu Joseph and pray that he be continually inspired
by the Holy Spirit to endure these challenges.
According to the information we
received he has been questioned regarding connections with the Tamil Diaspora.
Linking any voice whether in the North or even in the South raised on Justice
and Democracy and any attempt made to denounce the undemocratic rule, with the
LTTE or Tamil Diaspora, is to silence the courageous voices. We see this as a
dangerous trend. In this instance the
questioning of Bishop Rayappu Joseph for long hours in our view is a sign of
intimidation to silence the Tamil voice.
Fr. Sherard Jayawardene,
Fr. Sathivel.
Fr. Rohan Silva OMI,
Fr. Reid Shelton Fernando,
Fr. Ashok Stephen OMI, Rev.
Fr. Nandana Saparamadu.
Fr. Terrence Fernando.
Fr. Sarath Iddamalgoda.
Sr. Helen Fernando.
Sr. Noel Christine Fernando.
Sr. Deepa Fernando.
Sr. Rasika Fernando.
Mr. Ruki Fernando.
MR. Premon Fernando,
Mr. Kingsley Karunaratne.
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