He stated this in a letter addressed to the media in the wake of an allegedly incorrect statement reported recently.

"It is unfortunate that this has occurred while the general elections are round the corner," he said.

"My intention was to stress the importance of avoiding war and destruction which the people in the East whether Tamil, Muslim or Sinhala have experienced during the last two decades," the letter said.

He said his appeal was to prevent a recurrence of violence and bloodshed in the East.

Whichever party takes on the reins of office has to prioritize the peace process and unite the country and its people," the bishop said.