Sri Lanka Church prays for
Sri Lankans and others hit by Covid-19
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| A woman walks next to closed shops in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo (AFP) |
In a statement, Bishop Raymond Wickramasinghe of Galle,
president of the Commission for Migrants of the Sri Lankan Bishops' Conference
(CBCSL), urged for prayers for Sri Lankans and others overseas hit by the
contagion, evoking the spirit of solidarity and cooperation to help those in
need, especially the poor.
By Robin Gomes
The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has expressed concern for
its fellow citizens and others hit by the coronavirus, officially known as
Covid-19, urging prayers for them.
“We pray for all our compatriots, especially migrants and
students, stranded abroad or coronavirus patients,” said Bishop Raymond
Wickramasinghe of Galle, president of the Commission for Migrants of the Sri
Lankan Bishops' Conference (CBCSL).
In a statement posted on the diocesan webpage on March 14,
he drew attention to Sri Lankan migrant workers and students in various parts
of the world, saying “these brothers and sisters of ours from countries like
Italy, South Korea, Japan, Africa, Middle East and Thailand have requested our
prayers”.
Attention for the poor
He also thought of others across the world who lack access
to medical treatment because of poverty. “My hope is that every effort
will be made to collaborate so that everyone has access to the necessary
treatments to protect and heal their health.”
He addressed "all people of goodwill to feel at one
with the victims and not to exclude any of the family members”. “We pray and
work for their quick recovery and comfort. "
According to Bishop Wickramasinghe, “we must remain united
in prayer for the victims and families who suffer". He appealed to those
in power and authority to show solidarity and cooperation in the service of a
future that is shaped by interdependence and shared responsibility in the
entire human family.
He urged to all to be close to the victims of the pandemic
and their families. “Instead pray and work for their speedy recovery and
comfort.”
Gratitude for health-care workers
The CBCSL official also offered his heartfelt thanks to all
the doctors, nurses, volunteers and others who are serving those affected, often
risking their own safety and health. With their acts of tender love and
closeness, he said, they reflect the image of Christ, the Good Samaritan.
With 3 more coronavirus infections confirmed on Monday, the
country’s current caseload has risen to 21. The Sri Lankan Army said it
has set up 12 centres throughout the country to quarantine inbound travellers
to prevent the spread of the virus.
Sri Lanka had already closed schools, universities, cinemas
and zoological gardens. Catholic-run schools have also been closed. The
Archdiocese of Colombo and Chilaw Diocese have suspended public celebration of
Masses and other services until 31 March.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has asked for collaboration
from all sectors of society in combating the spread of the pandemic.
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