Cardinal says IMF arrangement detrimental to country

5 November 2022 07:46 am - 58 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith questioned seeking IMF Assistance and implied that there would be a negative impact on working with the organisation.

“Where would Sri Lanka end up if we bow down to International Monetary Fund (IMF)?” he questioned during a gathering in Negombo.

He also asked people not to vote for politicians insensitive to their issues.

“Do not vote for those who are not sensitive towards the issues faced by the people,” he said.

“The Urban Development Authority (UDA) has constructed apartment buildings and sold them to foreigners. There was a news item to this effect recently. Is the objective of UDA is to construct houses for foreigners? Do not vote for those who are not sensitive towards the issues faced by the people. Do not come and ask for houses from me if you vote for these people,” he said.

He said there are many families without a house of their own at the moment.(Yohan Perera)

Comments - 58

Punchi Saturday, 05 November 2022 08:18 AM

We don’t need the IMF we have China Monetary Fund, India Monetary Fund, Bangladesh Monetary Fund etc and lender of last resort Buddha Monetary Fund

warren Saturday, 05 November 2022 08:22 AM

Really? Have you become an economist now? Can you please request the Vatican Bank to give grants to wipe out our foreign debt and purchase essentials?

Ns Saturday, 05 November 2022 12:16 PM

Warren, you bloody fool, his eminence doesn't have to be an economist to understand the reality. That is common sense. You think IMF lend because they love your wife. IMF is doing filthy business. Who is going to pay for all these borrowings? Your appachchi mahinda? why did SL had to declare bankruptcy in the first place. Is it because cardinal robbed the nation's wealth? It's because your appachchi hora's robbing. Now it's time to recover those assets by slashing their limbs. Then they will start telling where the hideous are. You bloody slave.

Ranjan Saturday, 05 November 2022 08:30 AM

It’s now clearly understood that IMF is an humbug with jokers fooling the masses. It’s the very own people paying exorbitant taxes for the safety and benefit of these crooks. The media distributing garbage fooling the people. Master crooks are relaxing and resting at home with security. Meantime expecting more Ministers to be appointed. This is a joke.

Terrence Saturday, 05 November 2022 08:44 AM

Your Eminence our country has been brought down to bankruptcy and we the public are beggars. My question is will any creditor give us any assistance in providing us with finances which is needed to keep our economy afloat and bring confidence among other countries that we are on the correct path for resilience. The going along with the IMF will be tough and some present day policies will be corrected but we will have some breathing space to do a correction course of the economy with Professionals with unblemished records with impartiality and transparency in steering the economy.

Hubert Congreve Saturday, 05 November 2022 08:51 AM

Yes Cardinal, hereafter No-one will vote for SLPP or UNP that is for sure as both these parties ruined our country and robbed and nourished their families.

Prof. J.A. Ariyapala Saturday, 05 November 2022 08:53 AM

Neither Ranil or Mahinda or Namal cannot run our country, a new generation (a young talented educated team) will be formed to rule our nation.

Ranjan Saturday, 05 November 2022 12:29 PM

Until Law

Meera Saturday, 05 November 2022 08:55 AM

Wait and see Ven. Cardinal, before March 2023 we will chase Ranll and his dirty government consisting of rogues from Potuwa.

Mahesh Saturday, 05 November 2022 08:56 AM

We should stay away from imf as they are only trying to satisfy the politicians not help any country or people at all. Probably the negotiating imf party too get commission when a successful deal is arranged. They have given many loans in past but our politicians have broken the guidlines everytime but still they try to give loans right. This make it more suspicious. Also the government should cut down unnecessary staff by half in a period of one year. Then not much burden for people.

Spartacus Saturday, 05 November 2022 09:00 AM

Ok ex-henchy of Mahinda, what is ur alternative? Can the Vatican fund? After washing Mahinda's underwear at one time, now whose underwear are you now washing? We have seen Sinhalese Monks bringing disrepute to Buddhism often, but you are the first in the Catholic Church.

Pope the Second Saturday, 05 November 2022 04:25 PM

Ha Ha

anil Saturday, 05 November 2022 09:13 AM

without IMPF money how will SL overcome the current debt crisis. Can you ask the Pope to help us out?

Ram Saturday, 05 November 2022 09:28 AM

Government cannot satisfy the conditions placed by IMF so we will not get their help and Cardinal is now caught for speeding.

Lucas Saturday, 05 November 2022 09:33 AM

Pity, he didn't have this wisdom at the end of the war in 2009. He was the biggest patriot then, partnered with politics, condemning Bishop Joseph for worldly gains/praise until bomb blasts(2019) revealed the reality. When those errors were pointed out then, the church looked at the finger. St. John Eudes says: "The most evident mark of God's anger and the most terrible castigation He can inflict upon the world are manifested when He permits His people to fall into the hands of clergy who are priests more in name than in deed, priests who practice the cruelty of ravening wolves rather than charity and affection of devoted shepherds...When God permits such things, it is a very positive proof that He is thoroughly angry with His people, and is visiting His most dreadful anger upon them. That is why He cries unceasingly to Christians(Jer. 3:14,15)... Thus, irregularities in the lives of priests constitute a scourge upon the people in consequence of sin."

Sokrates Saturday, 05 November 2022 09:43 AM

Malcolm, why don't you ask your boss to help Sri Lanka with loans? The Vatican is one of the richest countries. Why would anyone ask you about houses. You already give people the house of your God, that should be enough.

Mahila Saturday, 05 November 2022 06:38 PM

Otherwise, request a loan to be provided 24 Billion dollars from the spouse of your best disciple/follower, whose case you are pursuing very ardently!!?? Whose benefit??Get him elected to Government, or the son as President thereafter!!??

Mahila Saturday, 05 November 2022 06:44 PM

Which Bos are you referring to?? Pope or Mahinda!? All depends on that???

Terrence Saturday, 05 November 2022 09:48 AM

Is he starting to play politics. We know on whose side he was actively engaged in during the last elections. Its time he sticks to his calling and not dabble in politics again.

Neil Saturday, 05 November 2022 09:54 AM

Now we have an expert in theology thinking that he is an expert in economics.

Dee Saturday, 05 November 2022 10:23 AM

We remember the gloom you brought upon this nation by asking for a government change in ! November 2019! Please stay out of politics and look after your herd. Don't mess up things further!

K.L Pathirana Saturday, 05 November 2022 10:26 AM

Failure to comply or unable to satisfy the conditions of IMF will make Malcolm Ranjith a scapegoat. Not only he is washing someone's dirty linen, but he is also wearing them too ... .... on the head.

Sivakumar, Jaffna Hindu Tamil Saturday, 05 November 2022 10:38 AM

Cardinal, you don’t want Sri Lanka to bow down even temporarily to a foreign financial organisation based in Washington while at the same time you are more than bowing down to a foreign institution based in Rome. Actually this is what all the converted Christians do, total and permanent bow down to Europe based religious institutions and hence by natural extension to the European race itself. This has consequences, their national identity may remain constant but the ethnicity is substantially weakened, no Sri Lankan Christian can be a “full” Tamil nor a “ full” Sinhalese. Their white masters could like them but certainly there is no respect . That is why a brown skin Hindu can become a British Prime Minister while a brown skin Christian can never get the British acceptance.

Keep us pure Sunday, 06 November 2022 05:58 PM

Why you so crow so loudly for someone in UK who has no interest in you? You think because you're a Hindu the UK PM will give you any advantage or concession over a Christian? In India, where the UK PM ancestor come from South Indian type Hindu looked down on, as backward too.

Mudalali Saturday, 05 November 2022 10:45 AM

The Archbishop impresses all the time with his knowledge of how the world works. The IMF is a private organisation pretending to help bailout nation's in economic trouble. Little do the ignorant know that this is called entrapment. Nothing good will come from accepting funds from the IMF. They are very corrupt and have a completely different well planned agenda. The only was out is to use our national assets, seize all ill gotten gains, collect taxes properly from the wealthy and bring the corrupt to justice. It's a better option than selling our assets to overseas investor's.

Anne Rodrigo Saturday, 05 November 2022 10:57 AM

Can the church bail us out? Interest free loans with zero conditions attached? Where do we sign?

Daily Mirror Humbug useless to give name Saturday, 05 November 2022 11:59 AM

Oh the Prophet of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka thinks as he the greatest and highly knowledgeable messiah with economic theory that being born in Sri Lanka. He a strong leftist, lick in the boots of Jarapaksha canvassing the gullible Catholic lay for the goons who made Sri Lanka people beggars. He indulge us to be poor beggars saying on sin of God and he can bring back the corrupt sheep the Jarapaksha again . Malcom Ranjit represents the same and like of some clergy of majority . Stop your bullshit and bring the Dollars from Vatican the most richest if you are so concerned of civilian. Amen and May the God bless, no in your case the Devil.

Christian Saturday, 05 November 2022 12:05 PM

Are you going to contest for the next presidency? Stay away from politics and mind your church and clergy since they need a lot of looking after. It is absolutely disgusting to listen to your sermons which have no relevance whatsoever to Christianity but ONLY to politics. It is a well known fact that you were an ardent supporter of the rajapakses. So you are also responsible for the mess that the country is in today.

True citizen Saturday, 05 November 2022 12:28 PM

All religious places are loosing public subsidised electricity bill for unlimited Aircondtioning and similar! Cardinal you should as two said contact your manager to get loans , peanuts for Vatican

Brit Saturday, 05 November 2022 01:00 PM

Sivakumar: have you lost your marbles?

Protestant Christian Saturday, 05 November 2022 01:03 PM

Reply to Socrates: that is why I am a Protestant. Lord Jesus chased the merchants out of the temple.

TR Saturday, 05 November 2022 01:39 PM

BETTER APPOINT THE CARDINAL AS A SPECIALIST CONSULTANT TO THE GOVT

Shelton Saturday, 05 November 2022 02:01 PM

@sivakumar, jaffna; What a rubbish comment!

Shelly Belly Saturday, 05 November 2022 02:13 PM

Stay in your lane Rerevend. Everyone has an opinion but not everyone has the expertise to back it up. Please use your time and words to the media wisely. Your churches are empty. Christians in Sri Lanka are spiritually dead or craving the love ans grace of God. And you're talking politics like the Buddhist monks who do the same. Set yourself apart and honor God with your position of influence.

Terrence Saturday, 05 November 2022 02:15 PM

@Terrence comment made at 9.48 am this guy is impersonating me by sending an adverse comment about his Eminence. DM Editor this thing should never happen as this could be bad for me. My message @Terrence was made at 8.44 am and published please take note.

Lost Lankan Saturday, 05 November 2022 02:51 PM

Religion and the preachers stay out of politics. Your utter failures are cursing this country and no benefit to society.

Against subsidy for religion Sunday, 06 November 2022 05:55 PM

No, but religion is about money, and the matter is about money. It is also undemocratic for person just because of their religious beliefs and behavior to be excluded from political activity. I don't want to give a cent to religious group, and want it removed from constitution too, but that has to happen with ground swell of support from public. When public reject for religious education as it is rejected to happen in proper western democracy, we are moving forward, till then public continues its own mass wrong doing.

Against subsidy for religion Saturday, 05 November 2022 02:57 PM

Cardinal unhappy about IMF caused tax increases. So, making these wild accusations. Probably real cause Cardinal complaining is his not getting new V8 because businessman going to give it to him has now go to pay taxes. Can't trust religious leader, as they are loyal to their religious group, above all else.

Rohan Solomon Saturday, 05 November 2022 03:16 PM

Mr Sivakumar, a black skin Obama became President of the most poweful democracy in the world.

Rohan Solomon Saturday, 05 November 2022 03:19 PM

Mr Sivakumar, A brown skin hundu can also never become a Prime minister of Srilanka

Dolly Dias Saturday, 05 November 2022 03:47 PM

Cardinal, why won't you ask God to come and help? You have been preaching about God, so why not ask him for help? I think you are the biggest liar. Kindly don't agitate the people so you can get some free press time. Dolly

“ The Lansi Burgher Gent “ Saturday, 05 November 2022 04:23 PM

Economics 101…cardinal style. Beggars can’t be choosers, men. What are your alternatives? If you don’t want us to go begging to the IMF and no one else will bail us out (without an agenda in mind) will you allow us to sell off the country in pieces? If so, open up, man up and say so. I think you best stick to your marbles, which is religion. We have far too many good for nothing “pandithayas” already, who have done bugger all but scrounge the living daylights out of us for the last 74 years.

Vive James Saturday, 05 November 2022 04:40 PM

Please don't disgrace your cassock. Look after your church and become churchy It's the last resort. Pure common-sense.

Sobhitha Saturday, 05 November 2022 05:10 PM

Cardinal is a Traitor. He has always acted against Sri Lanka, and particularly Sinhalese. We remember how biased he was during the war with LTTE.

TS Saturday, 05 November 2022 05:38 PM

Before last presidential elections, during the sermons of Colombo Diocese priests, you instructed us to vote to Gota. So we did that. Everybody knows Temple trees sent dinner for you from Hilton and Rajapakshas had been your big pals. Some say that when Mahinda met Pope Benedict some ten years back, his plea to the Pope was that Sri Lanka wanted a Cardinal. After that visit you became a Cardinal. Please tell us whom we should vote next. Then we will do as you say. Don't come on TV again and say that it was wrong and we did that for 1/4 of arrack.

ala Saturday, 05 November 2022 05:46 PM

The talent lies in having a social conscience. If we mend our thinking , we can surely overcome this challenge. IMF is only stating to demonstrate our debt repayment capacity. Swearing nincompoops as cabinet ministers will only aggravate the situation.

Mahila Saturday, 05 November 2022 06:24 PM

Last time you advised to vote a certain person as President to solve all the misery of this blessed land, which President was the root cause of FOOD shortage (Mad and insane Organic agriculture) and penury resulting in beggary and resorting to IMF bailout!!?? Better if you keep your political espousing to yourself and confine to Liturgy!!?? That would result in best outcome for everyone!? Don’t want to imagine/envision another Messy Blunder!!??

Tom jones Saturday, 05 November 2022 06:47 PM

Cardinal, Do you still want people to vote for Pohottuwa. Mahinda Rajapakse and his families have ruined this country. Our country is bankrupt. Do You agree that nothing good has happened during his regime. Poor people have no kerosene oil to light a lamp in their home.

Musthaq Saturday, 05 November 2022 06:52 PM

Omg now this guy is coming with this kind of instigation why is this cardinal an economist? also as per the comments we can see how silly this country people are So surprising IMF is not a Goni billa who steal our money they want to regulate our economy which will in return get the chance to access to international creditors

Chandra Amerasekare Saturday, 05 November 2022 08:21 PM

It seems the Archbishop is shopping for something else. He has forgotten his mandate given by God and that is to guide the people according to what GOD has preached. Rumors say he supports Rajapaakshas as he became Archbishop by getting Mahinda Rajapaksha to send a recommendation to the Pope. Now Rajapakshas are slowly placing roadblocks to prevent Ranil moving forward too fast to resolve the economic problem and get 100% credit for it before they strengthen the SLPP for winning the election.Is the Cardinal pushing Rajapaksha agenda? Now he is dabbling in politics and saying don't come to me for houses if you vote for this government. Is this God's way. Good catholics know it isn't. You may not support Ranil, but be honest enough to at least appreciate what Ranil's government is doing under difficult conditions.

Karalasingam Sivalingam Saturday, 05 November 2022 09:40 PM

Let's knowledge the path to survival, how can SriLanka submerge from the current economic crisis, if Your eminence criticise a policy, you must offer a solution.

GHT Saturday, 05 November 2022 11:25 PM

The people are aware of the dangers they are going to face after we surrender to the US run IMF organization. This is the end of an era of UNITED SRI LANKA concept. Losing our nation is inevitable.

Lankan Aviator Sunday, 06 November 2022 05:52 PM

Enough with the end of the world/country garbage. IMF might be stupid, but current people in our government, and Central Bank are the fools clamoring for it. Even SJB is 100% for IMF loan. Why not find fault with the politicians who seek out the IMF?

Rienzie Wannithantri (Missouri) Saturday, 05 November 2022 11:26 PM

Warren You were correct. This son of a gun is a rabble rouser .Malcom R. Shame on you .Catholics not only in Sri Lanka else ware to are shame for having you to lead the "TRUE Religion "

Ramesh Sunday, 06 November 2022 12:14 AM

What does skin colour got to do with the subject matter?

Lee Gall Sunday, 06 November 2022 04:24 AM

Where is the Vatican !!!

Bandu Monday, 07 November 2022 04:17 AM

Cardinal stick to religion. This discussion is above your pay grade. Sadly this news paper has become a twitter. Cheaper to quote useless people than doing corruption investigation

Srilankan Monday, 07 November 2022 08:35 AM

Sivakumar is correct, ask the buggers whether they celibrate Sinhala or Tamil New year

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Cardinal says IMF arrangement detrimental to country

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