Ministers in Present Government Insulting Buddhist Monks and Clergy: Cardinal

By Yohan Perera  

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith yesterday alleged that several ministers in the present government are among those who insult Buddhist monks and other members of the clergy. Delivering a sermon at a religious service held in Colombo to mark Independence Day, Cardinal Ranjith said that disrespecting religious leaders would never help the nation achieve prosperity.“Sri Lanka’s culture is deeply rooted in Buddhism, which was introduced to the country by Arahath Mahinda. Some politicians, including ministers in the present government, have forgotten this fact and have begun insulting Buddhist monks and other members of the clergy. Such actions will not help Sri Lanka achieve its goals, including economic stability,” he said. He added that these leaders appear to be denying religious leaders their right to express views and engage in activities aimed at the betterment of the nation. “Such actions suggest that these individuals are moving towards creating destruction, as has happened in the past,” the Cardinal said. Cardinal Ranjith also noted that Sri Lanka’s economy is in a dangerous situation and stressed that special attention must be given to addressing the current crisis.