Your Excellency,

I have received the Report from the Apostolic Nunciature in Colombo, regarding the roadside explosion in which Rev Fr. Nicholaspillai Packiyaranjith has lost his life, thus adding another innocent life to the list of the numerous victims of the political violence in the Country, that continues without any foreseeable solution. Fr. Packiaranjith is reported to have been rendering selfless service to the poor, giving them necessary assistance and consolation, even in very difficult and challenging circumstances, and thus fulfilling the demands of Christian charity. This sad incident shows how great are the risks that all have to take in that part of the country, in their daily life.

At this moment of great pain, I together with my collaborators in the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, express my sincere participation in the painful experience that Your Excellency and the clergy, religious and laity of the diocese are going through during these days. I pray God Almighty that He may grant his divine consolation and courage to all those who arc grieving over the death of Fr. Packiaranjith.

While I request Your Excellency to convey my participation to all who mourn over the sad death of the priest, especially to the family members of the deceased, I take this opportunity to extend to you kind regards and prayerful best wishes, and I remain,

Yours fraternally in Corde Mariae,

signed by

+ Archbishop Robert Sarah
Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples,
The Vatican