Those who called others thieves have become thieves themselves - Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

•  Says a politician had forgotten how a Chief Justice was removed during his own tenure in power

By Yohan Perera

While claiming that he is fed up with politicians, the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, said that “today, it seems that those who called others thieves have become thieves themselves.”  

Speaking during a religious service held in Negombo, Cardinal Ranjith expressed strong displeasure over the conduct of politicians and said they should at least show respect to the clothes they wear.  

“We are fed up with all politicians,” he said.  

Referring to political developments in the country, the Cardinal said there was a time when Members of Parliament from a particular political camp accused others of being thieves, but claimed that the situation appears to have changed today.  

He also criticised remarks made recently by a former minister regarding alleged undue influence on the judiciary, saying the politician had forgotten how a Chief Justice was removed during his own tenure in power.  

Cardinal Ranjith further took aim at another politician who had raised concerns over the appointment of lay teachers to Catholic schools, describing the individual as “a chameleon who changes colours from time to time.”