Catholic Bishops’ Conference Calls for Justice, Accountability and Environmental Protection

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka has called for impartial investigations into human rights issues and the protection of the environment following its plenary assembly held in August.

In a statement addressing justice and reconciliation, the bishops urged authorities to complete the excavation of the Chemmani mass grave without delay to ensure accountability and uncover the truth. They also requested that the government establish the facts regarding terrorism and massacres that occurred during and before the three-decade civil war.

Regarding environmental and social concerns, the bishops asked the government to stop expanding wind power projects in Mannar now that existing facilities are established. They stated that local communities must be consulted before new development projects begin to protect the environment and the livelihoods of fishermen. Additionally, the conference called for the immediate protection of the Muthurajawela Wetland and the proper implementation of court rulings regarding compensation for the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster.