ALARM bells are being rung by the Catholic bishops of Sri Lanka, who this week voiced fears that their country was on the brink of catastrophe.
The bishops said in a statement that the ordinary people of Sri Lanka were facing economic ruin as a result of soaring prices, and they condemned the government's lack of respect for fundamental human rights.
The war between the government and Tamil separatists fighting for an independent homeland in the north was dragging the country Into an ever steeper downward spiral, said the bishops.
All those involved in the running of the country should be prepared to strive for a spiritual reawakening of the nation if they ever wanted to see Sri Lanka climb out of its despair, the bishops said.
There were too many people fanning the flames of ethnic and religious differences rather than promoting economic growth, freedom and hope, they said.