JAFFNA, Sri Lanka - Priests serving war refugees in northern Sri Lanka say they are concerned about the psychological impact on these people the longer they stay in their camps. A protracted stay in refugee camps could create 'further psychological problems' for these people.
Although refugees are slowly returning to their villages one year after the civil war ended, about 60,000 people are still languishing in camps awaiting resettlement. 'Their only happiness is that the shellings and bombings have ceased,' said Oblate Father Celestine Mascringe. 'They will be relieved if allowed to return to their villages after being displaced several times and being detained by the military.'
The priest is one of six who visit Kathirgamar camp which has 8,000 refugees, more than 1,200 of whom are Catholics. They give milk powder, soap, clothes and cash donated by Catholics in Mannar diocese. The military has also allowed Masses to be held on Fridays and Sundays.
The APF contributes over £15,000 to the growth of the Church in Sri Lanka.
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