A press release from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Sri Lanka, signed by Bishop Vianney Fernando, president CBCSL, states that a delegation of the Catholic Bishops Conference comprising Bishop Vianney Fernando of Kandy, Archbishop Malcom Ranjith of Colombo and Bishop Harold Anthony Perera of Kurunegala (Chairman, National Catholic Commission for Justice, Peace and Human Development) met President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on Sunday February 14.

The purpose of the meeting was to convey to the President the concerns and pre-occupations of the Catholic Bishops Conference on the prevailing situation specially in the aftermath of the arrest of Retd. General Sarath Fonseka.

The delegation of Bishops expressed concern on the law and order situation as well as the need to bring about reconciliation and unity among all sectors of the people.

The need to ensure that the upcoming general election be conducted in a free and fair manner devoid of violence was also emphasised by the Bishops conference.