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Christmas tree at Galle face, a waste of money: Cardinal

7 December 2016 05:52 am - 20     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The construction of a Christmas tree on Galle face is a sheer waste of money, and those responsible for this work should be asked to use the funds to construct houses for poor people or provide scholarships to poor children, said the president of the Bishops' Conference -- Colombo Archbishop, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, yesterday.

He said that though the money was said to have been given by a ministry, the ministry concerned had not been identified. The cardinal made these observations during a media briefing at the Archbishop's house.

He said the market economy was selling Christmas and making religion a tool. "The late Rev Fr. Marceline Jayakody propagated the idea that, 'My Christmas is the day the poor have a meal of rice.' We too hold this view and we can really enjoy Christmas only when the poor join in," he said.

“This year the theme of Christmas is 'The Family'. There is a distinct breakdown in family relationships. This is evident in migratory families, and the Bishops' Conference is planning to bring this to the notice of the government.

"A wife on her return after working abroad finds that her husband has left her and remarried. The family is broken up. The children have become destitute. These women frequently become victims of crime.

"The idea of a small family and abortion are leading people on the wrong path. Therefore we have taken a decision to organise consultancy services to protect these families," he said.

The chairman of the Mass Media Commission of the Catholic Church, Bishop Raymond Wickramasinghe, and deputy chairman Bishop Emmanuel Fernando were also present at the media briefing. (Vineetha M. Gamage)


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  Comments - 20

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  • D.E.M. Ocracy Thursday, 08 December 2016 02:13 AM

    I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU.... .CHRISTMAS IS A TIME OF LOVE, JOY AND PEACE.... BUT HERE MALCOLM RANJITH IS DISRUPTING THE PEACE THAT COULD BE CREATED AMONGST THE PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS WHO WERE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING THE GIANT CHRISTMAS TREE.

    Ravin Sunday, 18 December 2016 03:22 PM

    Christmas is all about giving. People who can give will always give. It's not good to stop anything which has already started. Specially the christmas tree which was made by volunteers also one catholic and the rest is buddhist. these things will keep the unity in the country. God bless you all.Merry christmas and a happy new year.

    Lionel Friday, 16 December 2016 10:58 PM

    No need to bring all religions and compare. We as Sri Lankans should be proud of our archbishop and his views as one unit. I am a buddhist, but with my little knowlege I beleieve that father Malcome is a true follower of Jesus.

    joshua Wednesday, 14 December 2016 12:42 PM

    Money already spent...what is the use of stopping it now ?

    Wesley Moses Tuesday, 13 December 2016 08:31 PM

    Charity begins at home...

    Sashee Monday, 12 December 2016 10:47 PM

    Why dont then remove all decorations from churches and hold all other ceremonies and donate the money

    Raj Monday, 12 December 2016 08:43 PM

    with due respect, helping ppl is good, Gov must do it,. but a dream of making the tallest christmas tree will make us proud and may attract tourist,. no one is selling their TV / mobile and giving the money to the poor,. but we help ppl but guiness world record will make every one happy and proud,.

    Sene Monday, 12 December 2016 04:57 PM

    If it is waste of money why you now (12th) say that it is not a waste.Understand it involves spending by somebody.

    percysen Friday, 09 December 2016 11:14 AM

    I bow my head to the Cardinal who has spoken the truth .

    Roche Thursday, 08 December 2016 02:57 AM

    Church got so much money please give some to the poor

    Rdf Wednesday, 07 December 2016 09:00 AM

    Wonderful statement. A lesson to other religious leaders too. But alas will not be followed.

    Lanka Wednesday, 07 December 2016 07:20 PM

    Thank you for your "wisdom"!!!!! We need more people like you to save the world.

    Sunil Wednesday, 07 December 2016 09:33 AM

    These are words of wisdom from the holy father. We Christians have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas.

    Realist Wednesday, 07 December 2016 09:31 AM

    let the people who wish to celebrate do so.. why do you have to stomp on their parade once a year via DM Android App

    chux Wednesday, 07 December 2016 09:28 AM

    Very well said holy Father as ministers like Arjuna who does not have any background to be in this position does these things pls do not surprise

    Sathutuda Wednesday, 07 December 2016 09:26 AM

    Thank you Cardinal. Yes, Jesus was born in manger to highlight poverty that certain section of society undergo on a daily basis. The funds should go to families living in thatched houses, almost falling apart. Please don't market the day Christ child was born.

    annoyed Wednesday, 07 December 2016 09:20 AM

    Discerning statement from the Cardinal. SL is a show country, whether it is religion or anything else. Lot of glow outside but rotten inside. Clergy of all religions have lot of work to do.

    Srima Wednesday, 07 December 2016 09:20 AM

    Thank you your Reverend for that sensible comment. This is just one of those stupid ideas, that will also add to resentment and lead to disharmony.

    Dra Wednesday, 07 December 2016 09:17 AM

    Well said. An eye opener to all Buddhist priests and in particular to the Mahanaykas.

    ANTON Wednesday, 07 December 2016 09:06 AM

    WELL SAID HOLY FATHER, BUT SOME PRIESTS IN OUR AREA, SPEND THOUSANDS TO TREAT POLITICIANS WITH LIQUOR IN FESTIVAL DAYS.


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