Rev. Fr. Eugene John Hebert SJ An American Jesuit Priest
Rev. Fr. Eugene John Hebert SJ An American Jesuit Priest
The American Jesuit priest Rev. Fr. Eugene John Hebert SJ was lovingly known by the people of Batticaloa and Eravur as Father Haybier / Hebert.
He dedicated his entire life to the education, sports development, and human rights of the people of Batticaloa. During the period of the civil war in Eelam, he became one of the great humanitarian figures who was mysteriously disappeared.
Born in the state of Louisiana, USA, he dedicated himself to Catholic religious life at the age of 17. In 1948, he arrived in Eelam as a missionary, serving in the Diocese of Trincomalee–Batticaloa.
He served as the principal and teacher of the renowned St. Michael’s College, Batticaloa.
He also served as the director of the Eastern Technical Institute (ETI) in Batticaloa.
In particular, he is remembered for developing the sport of basketball in the Batticaloa region with great dedication. Because of this contribution, sports enthusiasts affectionately called him “Father Basketball.”
During the 1990s, when tensions between Tamil and Muslim communities in the Batticaloa region and the civil war had reached a critical stage, Father Hebert actively worked through the Batticaloa Peace Committee, representing affected civilians and advocating for their protection before the security forces.
On 15 August 1990, when Tamil civilians, nuns, and priests were trapped in the Valaichenai area surrounded by military personnel and home guards, Father Hebert went there in order to help rescue them safely.
After helping to evacuate the people, he left Valaichenai towards Batticaloa that morning on his motorcycle, with a Tamil youth named Betram Francis seated behind him.
While travelling towards Batticaloa, both Father Hebert and the young man accompanying him disappeared under mysterious circumstances in the Eravur area.
Later, various testimonies and human rights reports stated that both men had been abducted and killed there.
Even after several decades since his disappearance, the people of Batticaloa continue to remember Father Hebert with gratitude for his contributions to education, sports, and humanitarian service.
A memorial statue has also been erected in his honour at the Eastern Technical Institute (ETI) in Batticaloa.
The abduction and disappearance allegedly carried out by Muslim home guards has not received any justice to this day.
Translation by Hari
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