If Govt. informed me of terror attack: Would have cancelled Easter services: Cardinal

25 April 2019 08:55 am - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

I would have cancelled all the masses and services during Holy Week if the government had informed me of an imminent terror attack, Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, said yesterday.

Addressing the media, he said the government should have told him if they knew something was about to take place.

“We don’t want anyone to be hurt by whatever we do,” the Cardinal said.

“I have also told my Catholic population not to raise their hand against anyone because that’s what we, Christians have to follow. We have just come out of Easter which means pardoning those who do wrong to us,” the Cardinal added.

He advised he had stopped all festivals and possessions taking place in churches until the situation was brought back to normal.

“In light of the fact that the security situation in the country has not yet been brought back to normal, I would kindly invite all the Catholic faithful and priests in charge of churches not to get back to normal church services which includes Mass on Sunday and weekly Masses, until we are informed by the security forces that they have the situation under control and can guarantee the safety of church-goers,” Cardinal Ranjith added.

Meanwhile, the Archbishop said they could not fathom as to why this organisation had targeted the Catholic community to commit such atrocities.

“I have been personally open and friendly towards the Muslim community as we share a common ancestor in Abraham,” Cardinal Ranjith said.

“However, the reason why they chose us, would emerge in the future,” he added. Members of the Muslim community have met me at our Inter-Religious Council meetings where they expressed their condolences and said they had no connection with what transpired on Easter Sunday.

He said even Muslim politicians had offered their condolences and said they had nothing to do with recent attacks.

“Hence, I am of the opinion that the Muslim community had absolutely nothing to do with these attacks,” he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Video by AR Mahesh

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 9

OFFENSIVE JIHAD Thursday, 25 April 2019 10:14 AM

When Muslims establish a majority in an area, they are commanded to begin offensive jihad. Once Mecca was under Muhammad's control, Muslims were to indiscriminately fight non-Muslims simply for being non-Muslims. Qur'an 9:73 talks about striving hard against the unbelievers in an unyielding way. Qur'an 9:111 talks about how Allah has bought persons as believers or his property so they can slay and be slain. Qur'an 9:123 mentions fighting again.

Apanman Thursday, 25 April 2019 10:18 AM

Yes, that is correct. Well was there no warning from your all mighty god. The existence of a God was badly exposed. There are no gods, it is just us, the humans and the animals. The world came to being from black energy (google please).

suresh Thursday, 25 April 2019 10:24 AM

Yes sir, but unfortunately the politicians are only concerned about their own safety and pockets.

Chari Thursday, 25 April 2019 10:34 AM

Government is totally to blame. Should resign now. Lives are gripped with fear again after 2009.

Jiff Thursday, 25 April 2019 10:45 AM

Then how can they invite the americans here and then claim that they finished off ISIS using their international friends?

SL Thursday, 25 April 2019 10:45 AM

Do not be worried father ,Drones are banned but Thaufic Jamaat,Islamic extremism,PEACE Channel

Roshanaly Thursday, 25 April 2019 12:23 PM

Most respected Religion in the world .Truth will come out one day.

Joseph Thursday, 25 April 2019 03:15 PM

Dear\ Apanman may god forgiver and bless you abundantly

Don Thursday, 25 April 2019 08:15 PM

People go to mosques, churches and kovils thinking there are gods there to help them for their personal grievances but there is none, I do not believe even the biggest-ever priests can do anything other than preaching what was there in old books.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

If Govt. informed me of terror attack: Would have cancelled Easter services: Cardinal

Comments - 9

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Oil and gas exploration halted by prolonged legal dispute

Heavy taxes for public, duty free vehicles for MPs, senior officials?

AstraZeneca admits for first time its COVID vaccine can cause rare side effect

Sri Lanka weighs Open Skies amidst plans for national carrier privatization

Attempt to send 17 year-old-boy to London on forged documents foiled

Controversy over foreigners issuing on-arrival visas at BIA

MIRROR CRICKET

Nepal put forward strong squad on T20 World Cup return

Sri Lanka continue unbeaten streak, Netherlands push for top spot in Group B

Wasim Akram to conduct training program for national players

Afghanistan announce T20 World Cup 2024 squad

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Reduced diesel price not sufficient for bus fare revision: Gemunu

BJP invites SLPP, UNP to study its election campaign

Indo-Lanka passenger ferry service to resume on May 13

Police looking for exhibitionist in Ahangama

Nepal put forward strong squad on T20 World Cup return

Sri Lanka continue unbeaten streak, Netherlands push for top spot in Group B

Wasim Akram to conduct training program for national players

Afghanistan announce T20 World Cup 2024 squad