Catholic Church clarifies Cardinal’s statement on Maithripala Sirisena

The statement recently made by Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, was not meant as an attack on any politician, Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando said.

Making a special statement, Rev. Fr. Fernando requested the masses not to politicize Cardinal’s statement as he did not intend to politically attack anyone.

“The Catholic Church is of the view that the Easter Sunday attack as a national crime and the threat still surfaces,” Rev. Fr. Fernando stressed.

“What the Government should do is to provide its fullest support in this regard,” he added.   

Earlier, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) had expressed its displeasure over the Archbishop's  statement.

Cardinal Ranjith said recently that action should be taken against former President Maithirpala Sirisena without delay as he has been held responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks.

The Cardinal also said a question arises whether some politicians who are held responsible are shameless to go before the people once again.

Subsequently, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) had expressed its displeasure over the Archbishop’s statement. (Sheain Fernandopulle)