A statement has been issued expressing its deep concern about the socio-economic and political situation in Sri Lanka and its impact on the daily life of the general public. In view of the dangerous situation the country is facing, the announcement as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka earnestly requests the authorities to put aside their lip service and political dramas and seriously consider the dire situation the people are facing. Sri Lanka Latest News
The full statement is as follows;
“The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka assembled in full session wishes to express its deep concern on the socio-economic and political situation in Sri Lanka and its impact on the daily life of the general public. That is because the people have been severely affected by the ever-increasing, unsustainable cost of living.
For that reason, many parents find it difficult to feed their children daily. Many struggling families settle for one meal a day. Many hospitals are unable to meet the health needs of the people, and there is a severe shortage of medicines. We are deeply concerned about the many people, especially the poor, who are unable to meet their health needs due to the increasing number of qualified doctors who have left the country and are leaving, and the often inadequate supply of medicines and other medical equipment to government hospitals.
It appears that education is also in jeopardy. Children come to school without proper nutrition, proper clothing and the books and stationery they need. Parents are unable to fulfil the educational needs of their children.
The rule of law has seriously broken down. Violence is on the rise across the country. Murders are taking place almost daily and the number of fatal road accidents due to drunken and careless driving has also increased.
In addition, there does not seem to be a clear vision to meet the immediate basic needs of the people. There is no price control of essential commodities. Many people are on the verge of starvation. The immediate need should be to promote agro-industry and other local products for the livelihood of the people. It is shocking to hear that many food items such as rice, eggs and coconut oil which can be produced in this country are already being imported from abroad if incentives are given to the local farmers. It appears that there is no market price control.
In view of this dangerous situation, we at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka earnestly request the authorities to put aside their gossip and political dramas and seriously consider the dire situation the people are facing. Then the poor and downtrodden people will be able to maintain their lives by meeting at least the basic needs.
Sri Lanka is a blessed land, its citizens and youth are educated and eager to be part of the country’s progress. Therefore, we must create a society where the dignity of everyone is appreciated and given value, where democracy is truly manifested, such as peace, harmony and the independence of the judiciary, securing people’s participation in political life by holding free and fair elections. We call upon our political leadership to become the instruments of such political and social revival and safeguard the dignity and rights of all sections of our society.
We request all Catholics to pray and work actively for such social transformations in our society.
His Highness Harold Anthony Pereira,
Bishop of Kurunegala,
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka.
His Excellency J. D. Anthony Jayakodi Thero,
Assistant Archbishop Thero,
General Secretary, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka
28 August 2023”
