COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, SEPT. 28, 2007 (Zenit.org).- A 40-year-old Catholic priest who was delivering aid to displaced refugees is the latest victim of Sri Lanka's two-decade civil war.
Jesuit Father Nicholaspillai Packiyaranjith, coordinator of Jesuit Refugee Service in the northeastern district of Mannar, was killed when a land mine exploded, reported Aid to the Church in Need.
The blast took place on Poonery Road in the Kilinochi district early Wednesday evening, killing Father Packiyaranjith. The priest was on his way to assist people in a refugee camp and an orphanage in Vidathalvu.
Archbishop Oswald Gomis of Colombo wrote in a message of condolence: "We are all deeply shocked by the tragic death of Father Nicholas. We condemn these acts of violence which inflict suffering and grief on innocent civilians.
"We express sincere sympathy to Bishop Rayappu Joseph of Mannar Diocese, the clergy, the faithful and to Father Packiyaranjith's family.
"With gratitude for his work as a priest committed to assisting the people we offer fervent prayers to God the Father of Mercies that he may grant eternal rest to him and spiritual consolation to those who mourn for him."
The archbishop also said that all the more after this tragic event "peace is an urgent imperative."
"How long will this massacre continue? Episodes of this sort should make us aware of the gravity of the situation and the necessity to restore peace immediately," he added.
In the north of Sri Lanka, fighting between the army and separatist Tamil rebels continues. Since hostilities escalated in 2006, at least 5,000 people have been killed.
ZE07092804 - 2007-09-28