Bishop Rayappu Joseph :A respected voice of courage and morality in Sri Lanka
Nelson Mandela said, “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people”. Bishop
Joseph was undoubtedly a ‘real leader’ for the Sri Lankan community, and the Sri Lankan people have
lost a true humanitarian. Speaking about Sri Lanka he said, “It is one country many nations. It is similar
to India which has many nations in one country”. Bishop Joseph called for the recognition of the Tamil
people as a nation (meaning a people with their own heritage) which was crucial to bringing about peace
in Sri Lanka.
Bishop Rayappu Joseph will be remembered and recognised for his contribution to social justice and
human rights in Sri Lanka and his stand on the legitimacy of political rights of the Tamil people of Sri
Lanka.
