WCC demands release of Sri Lankan Christian activist

The World Council of Churches called upon the Sri Lankan government to release Mr Santha Fernando, a noted Christian activist who was arrested last month in Colombo.

Mr Fernando, the executive secretary for justice and peace of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka, was detained at Colombo's international airport on March 27 while he was on his way to address a Christian meeting in India.

The general secretary of The World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, in a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, demanded an expedite release of the Christian activist.

The letter expressed "deep concern" as "no specific reason for the arrest or detention of Mr Fernando has been given so far".

According to reports, the Ministry for Defence has issued a detention order for 30 days, to keep Fernando in the Terrorism Investigation Division. The detention has occurred on no substantial reason.

"Widely recognized as an Asian ecumenical leader with integrity and a strong commitment to justice and peace," Fernando "remains a victim of unlawful arrest and detention," Kobia said.

The Christian leader noted, "The actions surrounding the arrest and detention of Mr Fernando did not follow the procedures prescribed by law."

"As the reasons for his arrest have not been provided, there is thereby a violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Sri Lankan Constitution," he added.

The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) had earlier made a similar request to the President demanding Fernando's release.

NCCSL general secretary, Dr Jeyasiri Peiris, offered complete cooperation with the investigation and said Fernando "is a person who is least likely to engage in any unlawful or separatist activity."

"We call for prayers for him and his wife and family and the process of investigations. We are appreciative of the various inquiries made about him and thank all for your concern and prayers," Peiris said.

The plea has come in the wake of "chaotic" humanitarian situation in north Sri Lanka where tens of thousands of people are trapped in the fighting between the government and Tamil rebels.