Archbishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Dr. Malcolm Ranjith has said that the entire nation should express gratitude to the untiring efforts made by the President to liberate the civilians who were hindered by ruthless activities of the LTTE for three decades. The Archbishop said he was thankful to the President who takes intelligent steps in administering the country. Efforts made to find a solution with armed groups to which they also contributed did not bear fruit as they were stubborn. The President informed him on many occasions that there was no other option. He congratulated the President as a division of the country was obstructing its development. The Archbishop noted that they are indebted to the war heroes who laid down their lives. He referred to Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa who discharged a valuable service in the conduct the Feast of Our Lady of Madhu summoning meetings and providing other requirements. Expressing views while joining in the Seventh Hour programme of the ITN, the Archbishop said that Pope Benedict was always prepared to support on behalf of the President. The Archbishop opined that the President visited Italy twice and received an opportunity to have an audience with the Pontiff. The Pope displayed much interest about the happenings in Sri Lanka. On 17th May, he made a public announcement calling for help towards Sri Lanka as the war was over and there were displaced people. He made a request for help for the uplift of the country.