Serious doubts have been cast on Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and his political agendas to support Mahinda Rajapaksa at the upcoming elections with the revelation that his niece has been given a political appointment to the Sri Lanka embassy in Paris.
Ruwani Cooray, niece of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has not passed the foreign service examination nor been recruited to the foreign service through any accepted procedure. However she has been appointed as the second secretary to the Sri Lanka Embassy in France.
Ruwani does not have any relevant qualifications for this appointment other than her relationship to the Cardinal. Earlier Ruwani Cooray was posted to the Sri Lanka Mission in Manila, Philippines on the request of the Cardinal. With the significant role played by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith to ensure the visit of his Holiness the Pope to Sri Lanka his niece has now been given a more opulent posting in Paris.
“The visit of the Pope has been a key political gimmick of the Rajapaksa candidacy which hopes to swing many catholic votes it had lost during the years due to the anti- minority, extremists elements within its ranks. Cardinal Malcom Ranjith who is a close confidant of Gotabaya Rajapaksa has assured the government that he will deliver on the promise of the Pope’s visit despite the Pope’s very clear policy that he will not visit a country within two months of an election being declared.” a member of Cardinal Ranjith’s inner circles told Colombo Telegraph.
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Wera / December 26, 2014
The holy spirit is supposed to guide the clergy of the catholic church. When it comes to a cardinal he is only second to the pope and is supposed to be entirely above suspicion. However, the history of the catholic church is littered with worse charlatans who even rose to the highest office and kept a mistress openly admitted and supported nine children. I speak of the Borgia pope. However, our local Catholics are an ignorant bunch who have probably never heard of the pope with nine children let alone the lesser transgressions of the senor clergy of the catholic church. So it comes as no surprise that an overly ambitious priest ended up as cardinal all for the wrong reasons and continues to flaunt his office and get away with it. I wish someone in the church grows a backbone and reports this humbug to Rome for what he really is.
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Puhul Dosi / December 28, 2014
Wera
Well said. You might want to take more examples from the exposures in this highly acclaimed debate on “Intelligence Squared”…..
Is the Catholic Church a force for good in the world (2-hour version) – with Stephen Fry and Christopher Hitchens http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn0tPRjVBvw
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Govinda / December 26, 2014
Its the priests or bishobps or the vicars who confirms the congregation or the flock. Now its the leader of the country who confirms the Men of Cloth.
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dcn / December 26, 2014
Will the cardinal look at this article and the comments of many who feels let down and either take appropriate action to rectify the situation by advising Vatican the true picture and get a postponement of the date of the pope’s visit OR will he explain and answer all the points raised.
Will CT facilitate urgently.
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Shiro / December 26, 2014
It seems the Cardinal has sold his soul, and self respect, to the Devil. For shame. This so called man of God should never have taken sides in this matter, especially for personal gain. What a disgrace.
He has cheapened himself by consorting with those who have been accused of having blood on their hands, and also been complicit in the attacks on minorities, and their places of worship, INCLUDING Churches.
Where is the show of outrage and disapproval? All this, so that the unqualified niece can get a lucrative post abroad. Shame on the Cardinal. He has lost any credibility he may have, and let his people down.
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The flock / December 26, 2014
Of course the Cardinal will be obliged to preach a political sermon for favours granted
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j.thavarajah / December 26, 2014
Phew! MR.is easily the most resourceful man ever.Apparently,even the Cardinal is in his pocket.When history records these events,our own history book-MAHAVAMSA will note that MR.in his compassion appointed the niece of his HOLINESS the POPE.as an EMISSARY.
MR has proved that Religion is the opium of the people and the Ganja of the Proletariat.
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gogomahinda / December 26, 2014
Malcolm Run Ranjith as a person for most Catholics is possibly same as Hakeem is to Muslims…tolerated but not respected.
Pope here on 13th could be good…Pope Francis will not like to see a stolen election,whatever Malcolm Run Ranjith will try to say n do.
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Bensen Burner / December 26, 2014
Malcom Ranjith’s lack of integrity and dishonesty are no surprise. These will come to a head with the visit of the Holy Father much to the detriment of the Catholic church. Bensen
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T . George / December 26, 2014
MALCOM RANJITH LOST HIS RESPECT AS A CARDINAL AMONG THE TAMIL CATHOLIC BECAUSE OF HIS RACIST POLICIES. MALCOM RANJITH SHOULD RESIGN HIS POST WHICH WAS BESTOWED ON HIM BY THE VATICAN. ON THE 13TH OF JANUARY HE WILL WELCOME THE POPE WITHOUT HIS BUDDY MAHINDA.
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amanda / January 27, 2015
what a disgrace to hear such comments re the Cardinal who is next to the POPe in the Catholic church.. It’s a disgrace to hear all are asking malcolm Ranjith to resign from the Cardinal Post.
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Marwan / December 26, 2014
My neighbors (4) houses received their polling cards today 26/Dec. but there no polling cards for me. We were expecting 12 polling cards for each member of our extended family members, but nothing in the mail. I inquired from the postman, and he checked and confirmed nothing for me. Anyone know what I should do next, and how to get it? I guess there must be others too in this same position. Or should I expect it to be delivered shortly sometime soon?
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srilal / December 26, 2014
Marwan ,
Pardon me asking this , are you happened to be a minority ?if yes , then suspicion arises , if i were you , i would go to Gramasevaka and inquire as to my name is in the list , then probably check with my local post office , if all fails , form a group and then meet an election official !
please don’t satay idol hoping one day it will come , act fast before 8/15.
Good luck !
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Real Peace / December 26, 2014
Probably your missing polling cards have been delivered to the Bishop’s house!!!
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Marwan / December 26, 2014
Thanks Srilal, I will inquire around and then meet Grama Seva Niladhari and still if that fails, I will meet Election Officer as a group with othes who are in my same position, ASAP. In fact we had been receiving our polling cards at every previous election, only this time I registered my two sons also, since they became eligible.
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Laksiri / December 27, 2014
Easiest would be to first visit office maintained by a candidate(better if it is opposition’s) in your area and get them to check the list or even you can do it yourself. If the names are not there you should immediately contact Election Commissioner’s Dpt.
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Kettikaran / December 27, 2014
Marwan,
This is a dangerous sign. Don’t take it lightly. Make a huge noise – together with other Muslims and the media. In that PE when Ranil actually won (2006?) but MR declared winner – thanks to a crooked and venal EC, I warned the then
UNP Gen-Sec Weragoda the Grama Sevakas island-wide, strong JVPers,
have instructions to sabotage the Election Cards. Those believed to be UNP voters in the WP and elsewhere eventually could not vote. JVP sabotaged over 400,000 votes then. Even on the day previous to that Election Weragoda told me he spoke to Election officials in various parts of the country and everything was in order. The man, whom I knew well over many years, is not even heard of now. Another 500,000 + votes were lost when the LTTE threatened Tamils voters inside the Cadjan curtain not to vote – at the threat of death.
Kettikaran
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paul / December 26, 2014
Morale of the story: anyone opposing MR is a hero and a patriot worthy of praise; those supporting him are crooks, bribe-takers or sinhala modayas.
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cyril n / December 26, 2014
I hope the cardinal and the bishops conference of the Roman Catholic church would take all these comments and of all those catholics who are silently suffering with their thoughts and ensure Pope’s visit is postponed for future date when peaceful situation would prevail in the country.
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Uthungan / December 26, 2014
It will be of interest to hear in this festive season of the birth of Jesus Christ, the views of the Bishop of Mannar Rayappu Joseph and Father Emmanuel on the Cardinal’s latest stance about the support for MR in the context of the impending Pope’s visit to SL.
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Sensible Thinking / December 26, 2014
Mahinda came with the tsunami 10 years ago and he goes with the floods now affecting the country.
De ja vu!
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douglas / December 26, 2014
It is time for Vatican to make a decision. If the policy of Vatican not to make a Pope’s visit before or after a certain period of time of an election of a country; certainly January is not the time to visit Sri Lanka. Every person or any institution must follow the rules, unless otherwise an urgent necessity had arisen.
It is understood that both the Presidential candidates have “assured” peace during Pope’s visit. What “rubbish” are those? Look at what is going on in the country. Has anyone including the Law Enforcement Authorities have failed to stop the “thugs” and “goons” creating mayhem in the country. Even a Deputy Minister flee the country when there is an “arrest warrant” on him and the authorities have failed to take him to custody. Isn’t that enough to “assess” the situation prevailing in the country while the election campaign is on? What to speak of the situation after the election on January 8th? Doesn’t this leave the people to “suspect” the motives of the authorities of the Catholic Church to remain “tight lipped” at this critical moment? I wonder; Are these Religious Authorities living in Sri Lanka?
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Gamini / December 26, 2014
The cardinal has let down us catholics. We have always steered clear of taking sides on the political stage. We have no choice but to leave the church not just MR
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j.thavarajah / December 26, 2014
This whole affair is a damn shame.I am sure ihe
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j.thavarajahj / December 26, 2014
This whole affair is a damn shame.I am sure the Catholics in the country must be very sad,especially during this Festive season.Cardinals and Buddhist clergy must steer away from Politics and Politicians.
May I suggest a caption for this Photograph in this article? With no malice]
MR: Obethuma Matta[or Appitta] shupport ney?
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Goraka / December 26, 2014
When the clergies live off the blood and sweat of their of their hardworking flocks, they get spoilt and want more easy life.
This is another instance of living off the easy street.
Let the clergies and monks work like real people, then they will know the pains and harship of common folks.
We pay them respect for doing little and thinking that they are better than us.
All the religious leaders they represents live a simple and humble life. They have used religions to enrich themselves.
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surasea / December 26, 2014
It seems to be there is no difference between Jackson Anthony, Keheliya Rabukwella and the Cardinal. The forms barks for the Master as their offs pings were given high positions in Foreign Service (which is going to dogs as time elapses). The Catholic Church must expose this fugitive if these misdeeds are true. The Church must not allowed some cowards to mislead its followers and the Church is above all the Cardinals.
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Lankan / December 27, 2014
Arch Bishop is the “Arch Rouge” in Robes!
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Siva Sankaran Sarma / December 27, 2014
The same monkeys howling at the Cardinal here are the ones singing hosannas for the statue thief LTTE Rayappu :D
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Laksiri / December 27, 2014
Mr.Sumanasekera, please don’t utter things without knowing the facts & insult Catholics. Catholic community in Sri Lanka comprise of educated sinhalese and about 30% tamils among whom are upcountry tamils and tamils from North & East. We are well aware of the neutrality maintained in politics by Vatican as well as our local church until the present Cardinal took office. It is obvious to us that Cardinal MR has gone out of the way to help President MR since 2005 and we as catholics totally disagree with his attitude. Already a very senior clergy Fr. Leo Perera and Bishop Andradi have voiced their opposition to the Cardinal & the Bishops Conference and have requested a postponement of the papal visit.
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K.A Sumanasekera / December 27, 2014
Laksiri,
You must be a Catholic from Kurunduwatta Diocese, because most of the inhabitants in the BIBLE BELT from JaEla to Thalaviala and beyond are poor rural Sinhalese.
As a regular visitor to Talavialla Church , I know these people and I am well versed in their socio-economic backgrounds.
These people were denied access to their holiest of holy places for 30 years, by the sponsors and financiers of the current Holy Opposition.
You got it right on Tamils who have converted to Catholic faith… They are mainly the Estate Tamils and poor non Vellala Tamils in the North and the East.
Not sure about your stats of 30 %, but those people suffered the most,from the Diaspora sponsored Terrorism.
Bishop Raiappau is still blowing Prabakaran’s Bugle.
And you friendly Bishops whom you mentioned ,are keeping mum..
Our Current Pope is an intelligent person who has the plight of the poor in his heart more than anything else.
You and your friendly Bishops may love to manipulate him,
But his Holyness the Pope who has a life time experience looking after Millions of poor in the Slums, knows what is better for his followers in not only Srilanka but any part of the World.
Picking Holy Madhu for his High Mass says it all…
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Laksiri / December 27, 2014
Mr. Sumanasekara,
Again you write here on an issue without knowing the facts & details. I do not know where your Kurundusatte Diocese is. However Colombo Diocese is the largest sinhala catholic area which includes the coastal belt from Negombo to Beruwela. A vast majority of them are upper & lower middle class people with good educational background, although may not be ulra rich. Therefore, please don’t try to run down such intelligent people. I know since I have seen your comments on other issues, your assignment is to promote your preferred candidate Mr. Rajapakse. But we catholics have a different issue here with our Arch Bishop, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. Further, for your information there will not be high or low mass at the Madhu Shrine. It will only be a Marian Prayer service. Our question is based on the fact that despite the catholic church’s tradional neutrality on politics, our Cardinal has dragged the church in to politics by trying to help the President in his campaign for unknown reason. We know that he has even used his influence through his contacts in Rome, since he was in Rome for a long period before taking over the current position, to deviate from the aged old policy of not visiting a country facing an election. Also please note that there is a sizeable catholic population in places like Batticaloa, Mannar, Vavuniya and fairly large population in Jaffna and surrounding area. Therefore, ours is not politics, but have a genuine fear that the poorer section of the catholic population living in distant areas and the upcountry tamils may not be able to come to Colombo or for that matter Catholics in Northern & Eastern Provinces may not be able to reach Madhu Church for Pope’s visits.
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katholica ponnaian / December 27, 2014
IS HE ARACHBISHOP OR HAS BECOME ASS LICKING BISHOP.
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Laksiri / December 27, 2014
As a Sri Lankan Catholic, I wish to ask two simple questions from Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, other Sri Lankan Bishops and Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando.
1. Is the Papal visit for all Catholics and other the People of Sri Lanka, which includes both Sinhalese and Tamil Communities or for the Rulers, Church Hierarchic & the Priests and the rich in Colombo & Suburbs only ? Our past experience as Sri Lankans is that the period immediately following a Presidential or a General Election has always been violent and ordinary people fear to go about with their day to requirements. In such a scenario can one expect the people from outstations and mainly the Tamil Catholics to travel either to Colombo or even to Madhu Church without fear?
2.We all know it is the Incumbent President’s Party who used the image of the Holy Father on their posters despite several appeals made by the Church not to politicize the event. Besides, Church Hierarchy made several appeals to the Government before declaring the election, not to hold the elections close to the Papal visit, in view of the Vatican’s Policy of not visiting a country within one month before or after an election. Therefore, can we trust the Government’s proclamation that in the event of the Incumbent losing the election there will be a peaceful transfer of office? There is a genuine fear among the general public that it may not be the case and in such an event wont there be violence? Sri Lankan Catholics are intelligent.
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Roger Halliday / December 27, 2014
This is not the first time you have been in the news. There were letters to you and also the press re your comments just after the war concluded that hurt the tamil people. If this comment re the appointment of youer neice is correct I think that you should consider leaving the church, There are comments re your stance on the election, and I believe this is wrong as the head of the church. I remember that there was some statemets made re the popes condition visiting a country when there are election? what or how did these conditions change? Perhaps you managed to convince the pope. Please stay out of politics.
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Sandi / December 27, 2014
NGO Urges Pope to Reconsider Visit to Sri Lanka
ROME, Dec. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — European Union for Public Relations in a letter to the Pope’s office issued the following statement:
To
H.E. Federico Lombardi
Director
Holy See Press Office
26th December 2014
Dear H.E Lombardi,
“Religion is very important for us Catholics. I have read recently (articles attached) that Elections in Sri Lanka are scheduled for January 2015 and our Pope is going to visit right after the elections. There is considerable consternation amongst political analysts and civil society activists in Sri Lanka on whether the ongoing Presidential elections in the country would be free and fair, and more importantly free of violence. Present trends indicate that the contest between current incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his challenger, SLFP General Secretary and former Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena is likely to be too close to call.
In the event of a stalemate, resulting out of rigging and stuffing of ballot boxes by current regime, post-poll violence would be a distinct possibility as an emboldened opposition is unlikely to acquiesce with a hijacking of the people’s verdict. Under these circumstances, the proposed visit by our Pope to Sri Lanka (13th – 15th January 2015) is fraught with uncertainty and would disappoint the significant Catholic population in the country.
It would be necessary for the Vatican to therefore call upon President Mahinda Rajapaksa to ensure a free and fair election and respect the verdict of the people to create an enjoining atmosphere for the eagerly awaited visit of the Pope to Sri Lanka.”
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ngo-urges-pope-to-reconsider-visit-to-sri-lanka-300013999.html
SOURCE European Union for Public Relations
From CNBC
http://www.cnbc.com/id/102295824
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R.M.B Senanayake / December 27, 2014
i dont know if the Cardinal had a hand in this appointment of his niece. I hope he denies if it is not so.
Many people think the Cardinal was too closely associated with the President. I know the Cardinal is a very clever person who will not easily be misled. I was told that he cultivated good relations with MR to safeguard and protect the Catholics from the depredations of the BBS. But in God alone should we not trust.One writer refers to the Borgia popes. The Fatima prophecy refers to popes and priests and nuns proceeding to hell. Gods will will always prevail.
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Vincent Gunasekera / December 27, 2014
This is an utter disgrace to Catholics of Sri Lanka. The Cardinal must explain how he got this diplomatic post for his niece. According to the news she is not from the career diplomatic service. Outsiders to government positions like this appointed through the Cabinet. Generally catholic clergy has been progressive and neutral in their affairs and also well educated. They were not up to uncivil activities like this before this Cardinal got into this highest position.
This is why we must have an Act for right to information. Then public will have opportunities to know.
The Cardinal must explain this as soon as possible. If he has got this appointment through his political affiliations, which are very open, then Catholics must take a decision regarding him.
As far as I know he also engaged with government propaganda together with Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathana, Kumburugamuwe Wajiro thero and late Moulawi Niyas.
He should be apolitical as much as possible.
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Chirantha Amerasinghe / December 27, 2014
It is very sad to see these comments, Cardinal Ranjith realizes what many of you don’t, The church is not to be a bug/nail in the path of the local government. Little can be done by the church objecting the government of Sri Lanka. While it is also the responsibility of a Archbishop to increase the number of churches in the country, Cardinal Ranjith has done it. If one believes the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka is in a position to go against the government of Sri Lanka and live the tell the tail, that person needs serious metal help.
The Church is our religion, the Cardinal has defended the Church teaching and done what is necessary to keep the church living admits a dictatorship government with extremists perspectives for a Buddhist only nation. Someone whats to say doing it is wrong… Metal hospitals are free and wide open. Be my guest.
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Taraki / December 27, 2014
It is because of this resourcefulness and cunning that Mahinda will win next month.
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