His Grace the Archbishop Oswald Gomis in his condolence message to His Lordship Bishop Thomas Savundranayagam, the Bishop of Jaffna says," It is with deep regret andshock that we learn of the tragic death of Rev. Fr.M. X. karunaratnam who is reported to have got killed in a claymore blast when returning after Holy Mass on Sunday.

Please accept the deepest sympathies of the Clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Colombo.

Our prayers for the repose of his sould accompany these sentiments of condolence. Wepray that the Lord would reward the late Fr.Karunaratnam for his good work, and keep his family consoled in this deep bereavement.

Let us all pray and seek the send of this sad conflict that has claimed so many innocent lives and retarded the progress of our people spiritually, morally and economically during nearly two decades now."