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Last Updated : 2024-04-26 13:26:00
The Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo today expressed shock and condemned the recent statement made by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) national list candidate Harin Fernando that the Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malclom Ranjith had played politics during the presidential elections,
A statement issued from the Archdiocese of Colombo said:.
We the auxiliary bishops of Colombo together with the Catholic Clergy of the Archdiocese of Colombo view with great concern the statement made by former Member of Parliament Harin Fernando at a political rally on June 20 2020. His derogatory comments against his eminence were totally unfounded and uncalled for and have been made for cheap political gain. He has treated his eminence with derision when he stated that because of his eminence, the UNP candidate Sajith Premadasa had been deprived of the catholic votes during the last presidential election. This is totally a fabrication of his own imagination.
We are shocked by his attack and expressly condemn such a misconstrued criticism of his eminence, especially when Mr. Fernando has openly confessed that his father had warned him of the impending disaster prior to the incident and prevented him from going to church.
Lest one forget, it was his eminence who gave leadership to a country weakened in political turmoil and it was solely due to his efforts that clashes between the different communities were prevented in the aftermath of tragic Easter Sunday bombing.
These comments have tarnished the good name of his eminence Malclom Cardinal Ranjith under whose shepherdly care were the most affected victims of the Easter Sunday attacks and who still boldly appears for the cause of the innocent victims of the attack.
It is very appalling that Mr. Fernando attacks the leadership of the Catholic Church in such a disparaging manner and we urge those concerned to take steps to correct this situation with immediate effect and restore the image of the esteemed high office of the Catholic hierarchy.
The archdiocese of Colombo as always will be impartial in our stance politically, as we are committed to all efforts of upholding the law of the country , unity amongst all religions and freedom of every person in our nation.
The statement was signed by Rev Maxwell Silva, Rev D. J Anthoney Jayakody the two auxiliary bishops of Colombo, Frs Jude Samantha Kumara Fernando, Fr Freely Muthukudarachchi, Francis Senanayake, Fr. Joseph Patric Perera, Daya Sellton Welikadarachchi, Fr. Nihal Ivan Perera , Clswan de Croos and Fr Manokumaran Nagaratnam who holds various positions in the archdiocese of Colombo.
lalu Monday, 22 June 2020 09:45 PM
What Harin said was nothing but the truth.
Chris O Monday, 22 June 2020 09:58 PM
The reason why SP lost was due to the sheer ineptitude and infighting within the UNP. Also if at all Catholics voted against SP it was because of the negligence of the Yahapalana Govt. who allowed churches to be bombed when they were fully forewarned and failed to stop the terrorists. Harin is just diverting blame and making excuses in advance of another heavy defeat at polls.
Metta Monday, 22 June 2020 09:46 PM
Harin is Great
ANTON Monday, 22 June 2020 09:52 PM
WHY TRUTH IS LITTLE MORE SALTY
confession Monday, 22 June 2020 09:52 PM
People of this country knows what you say or he says is correct.
BigEars Monday, 22 June 2020 09:54 PM
I am with Harin on this issue. You blaming everything under the sun except God. Maybe God is above the SUN and you can not see him. I think it is time when all jokers in Yellow / Multicoloured fancy to keep of politics.
ChanakaJ Monday, 22 June 2020 10:07 PM
Irrespective of what some politicians may think, it was absolutely the duty of the Cardinal to be proactive in matters associated with the Easter bombings, as these churches and people within come under his protection.
roni Monday, 22 June 2020 10:12 PM
All the other signatories are part and parcel of your entourage. Just to remind you of important words "Father forgive you for you do not know what you do and say" God Bless you all Fathers.
R. Anthony Monday, 22 June 2020 10:15 PM
If you indulge in politics,accept and face the consequences as well. Sad to note the Catholic Church is let down. Shepherd your folks.
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