By Rathindra Kuruwita
The Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has not asked the Vatican for a service extension as Cardinal, Media Director of the Archdiocese of Colombo, Rev. Fr. Jude Krishantha told journalists in Colombo yesterday (29).
Fr. Krishantha had called for a press conference to respond to allegations made against the Cardinal by State Minister Chamara Sampath in Parliament last week during the debate on the Easter Sunday attacks.
“The State Minister has levelled many allegations against the Cardinal. He alleged that the Cardinal is 80 years old and thus, he has asked the Pope for a service extension so he can remain in the current position. This is a lie,” the priest said.
He said that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) came to power promising a just investigation into the Easter Sunday carnage. “President Ranil Wickremesinghe also made a similar pledge. The SLPP and Wickremesinghe are both in power but they have not done justice to the victims of the terror attacks. Neither side, if they have any shame, can they come before the people and say they will ensure justice for the victims, if they are elected to power again”.
Father Krishantha said the State Minister, during his speech, said ‘pasku magulak ape karapita dala thiyenawa’ (we have been saddled with this unnecessary burden.)
“Isn’t this a great insult to those who died and were injured in the attacks? This tragedy was a boon to those who used the attacks to come to power. They used the attacks to secure seats in Parliament. Now these politicians are making the most absurd allegations,” he said.