" People trapped in the war zone have been suffering enormously. I strongly appeal to LTTE and the Security Forces to allow the people to move into secure and safe areas, to begin their life of freedom assured in this socialist and democratic country. These people have been wounded, some of their parents and children and family members have been killed in this war, and now awaiting to live in a free and safe area. A large number of people in the North and the East who have been battered in the war. There are thousands who are still displaced and living in sub human conditions. Very specially the wounded children have been unable to have medical care. Victory in war has to be achieved through a political solution that is acceptable to the larger majority of our people on both sides of the divide. It has to assure that all of us as citizens of this country are equal, all are free to live and pursue their full measure of happiness irrespective of race, religion, caste, wealth or political affiliation." Therefore, on this day of 61st Independence Day anniversary, I strongly and earnestly appeal to all concerned and involved in the war, to pay attention to the innocent civilians, who have nothing to do with the ongoing war and help them to go back to their villages to live freely and securly. " said His Grace the Archbishop Oswald Gomis celebrating Independence Day Mass.

His Grace the Archbishop Oswald Gomis on this 61st Independence Anniversary Day, hoisted the National Flag before the Eucharistic celebration and Hon. Milroy Fernando, Minister of Public Estate Management & Developmentand Rev. Fr. Tony Martyn, Parish Priest of the Cathedral hoisted the Catholic flag and Papal flag respectively.

During the Holy Mass, Archbishop Oswald Gomis prayed for the country, the President and specially for the suffering innocent people and children in the North. Episcopal Vicars Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Perera, Very Rev. Fr. Marcus Ferdinandez and others Rev. Fathers and Religious participated in the Holy Mass praying for the country.