Ambassador Maduwegedara presets credential to H.H. the Pope

(June 07, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany, His Excellency T.B. Maduwegedera who is concurrently accredited to the Holy See, presented his credentials to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at a ceremony in the Vatican on 29th May 2008. At this ceremony, new Ambassadors from Bangladesh, Belarus, Chad, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda also presented their credentials. In addition to making a brief speech to the entire group, Pope Benedict handed over to each Ambassador a message addressed to that country.

In his message to Ambassador Maduwegedera, the Pope expressed his gratitude for the appreciation conveyed by the Ambassador for the Catholic Church’s ongoing charitable work in Sri Lanka. Particular reference was drawn to the Church’s contribution to the relief efforts in the aftermath of the Tsunami disaster in December 2004. Dealing with the present conflict in Sri Lanka, Pope Benedict XVI said “acts of terrorism are never justifiable and always constitute an affront to humanity”.

Responding to Ambassador Maduwegedera’s reference to the abominable practice of conscription of children for armed conflict by the LTTE, His Holiness stated “Your Excellency has also drawn attention to the disturbing trend of recruiting children to engage in combat or in terrorist activities. Such practices must be condemned at the outset, for they inevitably stunt the moral development of children, leaving scars that last a lifetime (cf. Message for the 1996 World Day of Peace, 3). Jesus admonished men and women to avoid causing scandal towards these “little ones” (cf. Lk 17::2) even instructing adults to imitate their virtue and purity (cf. Mt 18:2).

I implore leaders in your country and throughout the world to remain vigilant so that no compromise will be made in this regard. Children and adolescents must receive a solid formation in moral values today which will strengthen the social fabric of your country tomorrow. Indeed, an appreciation of these values and an attitude of respect for others are just as important as any technical skills young people may acquire in view of their professional vocation”.

His Holiness noted that it is encouraging that the Sri Lankan Government had set up a special Commission of Inquiry to investigate cases of alleged violations of human rights. He hoped that every effort will be made to ensure that the Commission would complete its work expeditiously so that the truth will be revealed.

His Holiness the Pope also expressed the hope that the bonds of friendship which exist between the Holy See and Sri Lanka will be further strengthened in the years to come. Ambassador Maduwegedera renewed the invitation extended by President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his visit to the Vatican last year, for His Holiness the Pope to visit Sri Lanka.

During his meetings with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States, Ambassador Maduwegedera briefed them on the current situation at the Madhu Church and emphasized the need for the safe and early return of the Statue of Our Lady of Madhu, in order to enable the Catholic community in Sri Lanka to celebrate the annual feast, with the traditional ceremonies, in a climate of peace and tranquility.
- Sri Lanka Guardian