Did Managala express govt. view? Wimal

Opposition MP Wimal Weerawansa today asked whether the statement made by Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera that the Cardinal was engaged in fanning flames of hatred is the official stance of the government.

“The minister had said Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith had done so by visiting Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera during his fast unto death. The Cardinal never did this. There would have been a backlash soon after the Easter Sunday attacks if it was so. Did the minister express the views of the government?,” he asked.

The MP was referring to the tweet sent by the minister urging Vatican to take action against the Cardinal.

House Leader Lakshman Kiriella in his response said the minister will make a statement on it later. “We must respect all religious leaders including the most Ven. Mahanayaka Theras,” Minister Kiriella said. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)