Cardinal condemns some politicians for insulting religious leaders

Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, emphasized that he strongly condemns the various statements made by certain government ministers targeting and insulting religious leaders. The Archbishop expressed these views yesterday while participating in Catholic religious services held at All Saints' Church, Borella, coinciding with Independence Day.

The Cardinal pointed out that since Sri Lanka is a country with a long religious history and background influenced by Buddhist philosophy, the country's rulers should show due respect to that religious existence. However, he also stated that the way some individuals currently governing the country have been treating religious leaders, including the Maha Sangha, recently, and acting as if religious leaders have no right to raise their voices in the face of the country's common problems, is a regrettable situation.

The Archbishop recalled that despite the Constitution giving prominence to the country's religious existence, a background is being created where the country is divided through a selfish and underdeveloped culture via politicized educational systems. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith further stated that attempts should not be made to govern the country through ideologies that are incompatible with the country's culture and civilization, and that a better country can be created in the future by making religious thought the yardstick for the country's development.