By Amrit Muttukumaru –
Amrit Muttukumaru
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo is today in a position where no other political or moral leader has been since 71 years of Sri Lanka’s independence to usher in genuine healing and reconciliation to a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country battered by mistrust and suspicion due to selfish politically induced decisions unleashed by successive administrations since independence in 1948.
The carnage unleashed on Easter Sunday in terms of its sheer ferocity, numbers dead and injured, locations in Christian churches and leading hotels and the global context has created local and international panic which has brought Sri Lanka to the centre of world attention for the wrong reasons.
The tragic death of more than 250 persons many of them children and around 500 injured – the large majority of them Christians attending Easter Sunday Mass has brought Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith to the centre of Sri Lanka’s public attention. His response has been exemplary. It is largely his statesmanlike and moderating influence that has brought some sanity to the dangerous and charged situation in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. It is this that mainly facilitated the robust security operations.
Cardinal Ranjith – Archbishop of Colombo
This is in sharp contrast to the utterly disgraceful response of our political leaders – particularly (i) President Sirisena – Minister of Defence and Minister of Law & Order (ii) Ranil Wickremesinghe – Prime Minister (iii) Ruwan Wijewardene – Minister of State for Defence (iv) John Amaratunga – Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs. All of these so called ‘leaders’ brazenly deny any knowledge of intelligence reports and even visible signs that something sinister was brewing for a long time among the miniscule extremist section of the Muslim community.
Root Cause of Mistrust
It is believed that the root cause of tragedies such as what happened on Easter Sunday, the armed conflict with the LTTE, JVP insurrections and other such instances are the result of mistrust and suspicion among communities due mainly to state sponsored acts of omission and commission. Over the years, minority communities in relation to the overwhelming Sinhala Buddhist majority – for the most part Tamils and Muslims have been at the receiving end of discrimination, indignities and violence unleashed with impunity. The long festering ethnic conflict and the resultant armed conflict came to a controversial end in 2009 in the absence of credible accountability. Reconciliation issues continue to fester. In more recent times, Muslims have been at the receiving end of hate speech and violence unleashed with impunity. It must be emphasised that under no circumstances is the horrendous violence unleashed on Easter Sunday or for that matter by the LTTE, JVP or any other entity justified. Nevertheless the discrimination and fear psychosis unleashed on minorities which still continue with impunity must be flagged.
Although increasingly there is an international dimension due to geo-political interests and the increasing presence of social media, I dare say that if only there is genuine national unity and love for the country, instances of violence and hatred can be nipped in the bud and at worse greatly mitigated. I guess that most of our frontline politicians and businessmen and most likely family members have dual citizenships. Is this not because they are aware the country has little future since they know our different communities will never get together as a single family. The irony is that it is people of their ilk who have made a substantial contribution towards what the country has become today. It is absurd to allow people who have even had dual citizenships to be eligible to contest elections. What is the loyalty they have for the country?
Acid Test
An acid test to demonstrate there is a political will to address the root causes for disunity and mistrust is (i) stop giving state patronage to any religion (ii) doing away with having ministries for any religion (iii) forthwith halt the clergy from any religion getting involved in political activities. In brief, the goal is a secular state.
The only person who could today pull it off is Cardinal Ranjith who has the goodwill and respect of almost the entire country virtually eating out of his hand. This is the moment he must seize and not fritter away for any extraneous reasons. This is his moment and the moment for the country to demonstrate the entry path towards true reconciliation. It will be very difficult for even firebrand instigators of hate and dissension to oppose this.
Snapshot of Country
The Easter Sunday carnage apart from badly wounding the national psyche has further debilitated an already weakened economy on the ‘Grey List’ of the ‘Financial Action Task Force’ and subsequent ‘Black List’ of the European Union for money laundering. One suspects that money laundering and Sri Lanka developing into a regional hub for illicit drugs may have also facilitated the Easter Sunday carnage.
Large scale corruption and wrongdoing in several spheres are now on the back burner due to the Easter Sunday massacre. The long overdue ‘forensic audit’ by the Central Bank of the egregious Treasury Bond scam which was a key recommendation of the report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry is now almost forgotten. The controversial Hambantota oil refinery project is now a distant memory.
The alternate political dispensation waiting in the wings is also of no consolation. This is a snapshot of what the country is against on several fronts.
Conclusion
The knuckleheads in politics from all hues who are supposed to guide the destiny of this country must understand the limitations of a military response and appreciate that addressing the root cause for the ills in this country is paramount. Without unity and brotherhood in the context of Sri Lanka being a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, any tangible progress is a pipe dream.
The first order of business of the Cardinal is to get national consensus to have Chapter 2 – Article 9 of the Constitution giving “foremost place” to Buddhism repealed.
I doubt even rabble-rousers opposing him today. They are all in a state of shock today. For the sake of the country and future generations, the Cardinal must strike while the iron is hot! The momentum will soon be lost and we will be back to square one with dire consequences.
Irrespective of the Cardinal’s perceived past controversial position on issues of Secular State and Human Rights, he must rise to the occasion in the larger interest of Sri Lanka and ensure that those who so tragically lost their lives on Easter Sunday did not die in vain.
Dionysus / May 5, 2019
This Catholic cardinal should limit himself to clerical activities, instead of playing politics. He seems to be unsure of what his functions are. And instead of looking after the interests of his humble flock, hobnobs with the high and mighty, mainly that of a particular colour. Again, instead of pursuing spirituality, his interests seem mainly concerned with the corporeal. He is always quick to mouth off on subjects that have nothing to do with the ecclesiastical in order to gain cheap publicity. He should not embarrass pious Catholics.
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Ethel Nanayakkara / May 5, 2019
I am a Catholic and I quite agree with you. He is the spiritual leader of the Catholics. He should be concerned about their spiritual welfare. In my opinion it would have been more appropriate for him as a spiritual leader to have the churches opened so that the faithful can seek solace, comfort and strength through the sacraments and community prayer. He should comply with the spirit of the government in power and open the Catholic private schools AND the churches. Why are the faithful not allowed to enter the churches?
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Eusense / May 6, 2019
Dionysus and Ethel,
Are you two saying that Mother Theresa should have been involved in spiritual welfare of Catholics only???
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babanpunchi / May 6, 2019
Eusense, we thought you would have been drown in Rajaapskhe shit pits.
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Long time we could not hear from you the kind of OBSEQUEOUS men that only sang the housannas being hell bent to Rajaafukshe mantra.
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Eusense / May 6, 2019
What are you trying to say?
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Ethel Nanayakkara / May 6, 2019
That was not implied by me in any way. By the way Mother Theresa was available and was at the service of any human being in need. She did not look at the religion or any other feature of those she served. She saw the face of Christ in every person she met and touched.
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Eusense / May 6, 2019
Ethel,
You did not even get the point I was making! I am wasting my time on you.
Let me put it in a different way. Why didn’t you say Mother Theresa (a spiritual leader too) should be involved only in spiritual welfare but not helping the poor and the sick? Why are you applying your flawed “only spiritual welfare” theory to the Cardinal?
It is my belief that every religious leader should look after the welfare of all his followers, specially in an era where our politicions are neglecting our wellbeing and safety.
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Desperate Sinhalaya / May 6, 2019
EN@
I respect Rev. Malcom Ranjith, but I really dont like him being that close to murderous Rajapakshes.
No doubt, needless to say, that Rev. Ranjith has been doing a great work today. Unlike our buddhist priests, he has not paid a blind eye, let alone since the tragedy occured in the last easter prayers. Prior to that, for some reasons, he had been manipulated by Rajakaahse groups for hidden reasons. But today, I thought he is the most respectable priest in this country, leaving all my differences aside.
Ironically, when it comes to accuse former President and his brutal rule, Rev. Ranjith, does not seem to call a spade a spade yet today. War verteran, real hero of LTTE terror elemination, FM Sarath fonseka has confirmed, in order any kind of terror groups to mobilised they should have been trained over a period longer then 7-9 years. All was clear at the time, Rajapakshe’s second term how they ignored any kind of activities came up by the extremists then. Now with finding lot more information incl. loads of swodes across the muslim areas, and other information about their logistical nature regarding their hidden agendas, people become speechless. Were their any plans them to hack NON-MUSLIMs and invade the country for their own ?
Not even fishers across the country would have been using the kind of sharp swodes and knifes but extremists groups had collected and scattered them across their communities. How come, the intelligence men stayed, not having done their job properly ? I believe, our people just thought, nothing like LTTE terror would have been back to this country – even if they suppress muslim bretheren to the manner, Gotabaya led Rajapashe butchery went on few years ago in the country.
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A Disgusted Catholic / May 6, 2019
I am also a Catholic but sad to say, this ‘so called’ cardinal has his own political agenda. He seems to be working with the backing of satan, not GOD, and hence, starving the faithful of their spiritual needs by closing the Churches. It is no wonder that many have left the Catholic Church and attend other Christian places of worship.
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Babansincho / May 6, 2019
You may be right. We always noticed Rev. Malcom Ranjith being close to former President and his allies.
That we could not understand, since in general cathelics listen to their conscience before jumping on to support to any vicious leaders.
At the time, Rajaakshes vandlized the parliament, this Rev. Ranjith behaved as if the was no different to a SLOTH being found in amazona. Never uttered a single word standing out against Rajaakshe facist actions. Ironically, the very same person to be kept above today is seen strange to me.
I think these leaders should rather focus lot more on the people of this country.
Surely, Rajakashes had been well informed about the attacks and this Rev. Ranjitha too should more likely to have been informed, for some reasons all kept it away from the prayers… how come ? Are these real priests ?
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Amrit Muttukumaru / May 5, 2019
The GROUND REALITY is that Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith is TODAY in a UNIQUE position to set the ball rolling for a better future for this battered country. We the people must ENCOURAGE him to seize the moment. Bad-Mouthing him for whatever reason is counter-productive. I understand that his previous position on issues of secularism and human rights can be questioned. The goal of a secular state will make it taboo for the clergy of any religion to be involved in political activities.
The usual suspects who will fight tooth and nail to maintain the STATUS QUO to the detriment of the country are now in a state of shock and not in a position to oppose the Cardinal if he espouses a SECULAR state. The Cardinal in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday Carnage has demonstrated statesmanship that has earned him local and international admiration and respect. He has espoused restraint, reconciliation, national unity and peace. Let us put PRESSURE on the Cardinal to practice what he preaches and ensure that those who so tragically lost their lives on Easter Sunday did not die in vain. His CREDIBILITY is on the line. He will not want to lose this.
Amrit Muttukumaru
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Sugumar / May 6, 2019
Well said Sir. Empower the parliament, ban all the extremists parties and schools and make our beloved Sri Lanka a united country for all Sri Lankan. Extremism is equal to destruction and we all Sri Lankan are well aware of that.
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Sinhala_Man / May 6, 2019
Dear Amrit Muttukumaru,
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having written your panegyric on this man, you have found it necessary to acknowledge that “I understand that his previous position on issues of secularism and human rights can be questioned.” Bad mouthing this man is not enough! Why should we persist with this man? You can see what so many who identify as “Catholics” have said of him. This man is very much a racist Sinhala politician.
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Was it not within the few months that have elapsed in this year that Cardinals in New York and Melbourne were publicly disgraced? It should be Malcolm Ranjith’s turn soon. Another such is Anglican Bishop Dhiloraj Canagasabey – and if he sees this comment of mine he will understand exactly what it means. He continues merrily on his way:
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Work backwards from this article to see for yourself how little he can be trusted. He refuses even to meet me to discuss the many serious issues that I have raised – and he knows me well.
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https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-thomian-pharisees-are-unrepentant-why-this-matters-to-all-sri-lankans/
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Religious caterpillars of all sorts must be exposed!
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Bunjappu / May 6, 2019
Mr Sinhala Man,
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We always agree with you Mr.
Your comments are the best.
I only respect Rev Ranjith at this critical turning point of the country for having blocked catholic adherents from any kind of riots.
If his public statements were prevented, things would have become no second to what we experienced in 1983 riots in the country, remember ?
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Please take good care of you.
We need lot more of your nature to change the attitude of this nation
Greetings from Germany (still cold weathers yet these days)
Bunjjappu
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Donald M / May 6, 2019
Once he succeeds in promoting the ‘…foremost place for Buddhism in Sri Lanka’, he could focus his energies on his flock.
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Uncommon man / May 6, 2019
How about the mahanayaka idiots playing politics and dictating to the politicians?? At least the Cardinal is an educated guy, although being the stooge of the Rajapaksas.
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Peace lover / May 5, 2019
Prior to the bombing incidents, Cardinal Ranjith was representing the interests of racially motivated Sinhala Christians and Buddhists only. He was no different from Rajapakse camp politicians. His speeches and actions were despised by minorities. Tamil Christians did not accept him as their Cardinal. He brought division on ethnic basis among Christians. How did this escape from your attention? Asking him to rise to the occasion is no different from asking Gotabaya to become President.
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Eusense / May 6, 2019
PL
Condemnation of Tamil terrorism is not despising minorities!
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Pandi Kutti / May 6, 2019
Condoning state sponsored Chingkalla racism on the island’s Thamizh speakers is despised by minorities and this is what this cardinal did.
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Eusense / May 6, 2019
Tamil terrorists opted suicide bombing and terrorizing citizens of Sri Lanka for 30 years. These actions have repercussions and often with collateral damage which you can call whatever you like, as state terrorism etc etc.. But the bottom line is SL is free of terrorism and people live in peace. Most citizens including myself spoke against Tamil terrorism and called for ending this 30 year carnage. The Cardinal supporting this too. Him supporting the leader who finally ended this dark era is nothing against Tamils. In fact Tamils in the north are finally having a peaceful life. I didn’t read Pandi Kutti, Peace Lover, stupid Vedda or any other terror supporters here ever condemning Tamil terrorism.
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Burt / May 6, 2019
I am a RC from Col.. I fully agree with Peace .lover. Although Tamils are not the majority of Catholics they are a sizable minority. When did the Cardinal come out and say that Tamils were also victims and should not label all Tamils as terrorists or supporters? He is an opportunist just fooling all.
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Eusense / May 6, 2019
Mr Burt,
Have you heard anything called “collateral damage”?
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Burt / May 7, 2019
Eusense:
Do you know the meaning of “collateral” damage????
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Native Vedda / May 6, 2019
Nuisance
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“Condemnation of Tamil terrorism is not despising minorities!”
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Similarly condemning of Sinhala/Buddhist fascist noisy minority is also not despising the majority! Hence you must voluntarily invite condemnation of yourself from all section of the people.
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Eusense / May 6, 2019
Stupid Vedda,
Another low IQ post!
You can keep condemning anybody you want. This is a free country.
But don’t engage in terrorism.
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Native Vedda / May 7, 2019
Nuisance
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” This is a free country.”
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Is it, since when?
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“You can keep condemning anybody you want.”
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Whom do you think I should be condemning?
The list is endless, you for the start, sach, Shenali, Taraki, Eagle Blind Eye, Champa, Champika, somass, …………………………………
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“But don’t engage in terrorism.”
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Isn’t it your job?
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Eusense / May 7, 2019
Stupid Vedda
You haven’t been arrested yet, right? – for you posting idiotic posts? That is why I say this is a free country, any imbecile can post anything!
Keep condemning, nobody cares.
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A Disgusted Catholic / May 6, 2019
Thats why he has always supported the Rajapakse camp to the hilt. At the meeting held with the opposition leader last week, he is reported to have said – “when you form a government do not appoint these corrupt people to your cabinet”, which is obvious whom he supports.
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Matilda Ellepola / May 5, 2019
This man M Ranjith a.k.a Medamulana Ranjith is an opportunist to the core and other than living by the Lord., he is happy with the share of the loot he gets form Medamulana rogue family.
Isnt it the CT reported few years ago he was instrumental in getting his niece a plum Diplomatic post in SL embassy in New York during Rajapaksa regime ?
The worst is a day ago this man was in the news acknowledging he got intelligence from a ‘Foreign Country’ that there will be more attacks and let us believe that ‘Foreign Country’ is not the Varican?
On top of this, this is the person who gave his blessings for the MaRa + SiRa coup in Dec-2018 and he was at the Presidents House when MaRa was illegally swear in as the PM.
This is a cause for him to be kicked out of his Archbishop title though in this blessed isle we dont take discipline as much important.
This will be another bomb about to be explode as this man is quite capable of rally the masses against any Govt in power other than Rajapaksas and will take any opportunity to get them back to power.
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LF / May 5, 2019
Not only his niece, as told by a very Senior Catholic Priest, he got his Brother-in-Law too a DPL posting through the courtesies of Rajapakse Regime.
Besides, didn’t his name appear in Wikileaks for trying to white wash MR’s name with the then American Ambassador to Sri Lanka?
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Michael Chan / May 5, 2019
Very true and it looks like this man is trying to be the ‘Man of the Match’ in recent bloody Easter bombings and play the game cunningly to get Gotler into the game.
Stupid folks in Sri Lanka is to believe this man is the new Jesus Christ and will get the country out of this mess and believe me., this is someone worse than the politicians we have.
As the political leadership in the country have declared war against thenselves among the ruling coalition, people have looked for non politician to take them safe and this is the man who have come to the scene backed by the full Rajapaksa mafia media institutions to get into their goal.
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Nadeeka Abeyrathne / May 5, 2019
Can anyone in Sri Lanka she some light on my questions here please as I m a Sri Lankan origin and aesthetic who is domiciled away and need to get into these.
a. when I was very young I used to worship the St Anthonys cathedral in Kochikade with my Grand Mother and was told it has the powers that can heal anything and irrespective of religion what you ask for will be granted.
b,. so in this fateful day, why the so called power did lack in this cathedral in avoiding the suicide bombers itself ? does it lose the so called healing power now?
c. or the good Lord have left this cursed island called Sri Lanka which is raped by day in and out by the politicians for the last 71 years ?
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Peace lover / May 5, 2019
Nadeeka
” God is dead God remains dead and we have killed him ” Nietzsche
Here ” we ” means priests and politicians in Srilanka. That is my interpretation.
Did Buddha and Jesus owned bullet proof cars ? Point to ponder
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paul / May 6, 2019
Nietzsche is dead too. (I am only joking, not trying to make any particular point).
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JD / May 5, 2019
Miracle powers also need day breaks. On that day the miracle power was off. but, the human lives are not jokes.
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Praba / May 6, 2019
JD
You consider Tamil lives to be a joke.
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Native Vedda / May 6, 2019
Praba
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“JD, You consider Tamil lives to be a joke.”
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Otherwise, why would they carry a flag depicting a horrible animal (which never existed in this island) and a cut out depicting a horrible man in jungle combat dress who killed many into oblivion.
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Eusense / May 7, 2019
Nadeeka,
Grow up! Don’t ask stupid questions. If you are struggling to answer your own questions it says a lot about your intellect!
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SIRIBIRIS / May 5, 2019
how can anyone even try to begin reconciliation with ISIS? They want to kill all and anyone who does not believe in their god/devil? Alaah!
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SPECTATOR / May 5, 2019
When MR was illegally appointed PM on 26th October last year the Cardinal who is referred to as MR 2 ran to congratulate MR the very next day at his residence at Wijerama. In contrast to this Bishop Canagasabai of the Anglican church issued a strong condemnation of the illegal appointment. When MR went to Kandy the Mahanayakes refused to grant him an audience. Medamulana Ranjith was also instrumental in having Nonis appointed as HC to the UK. Today he is playing politics and fear mongering . Rajapakse agenda .??
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Nimal Fernando / May 5, 2019
This man is another Mathew Peiris in making I believe, his Lord is none other than the un-educated thuggerish Medamulana Sataka types and not the Jesus Christ.
It is high time the Catholics did report this Medamulana Ranjith to Vatican and get an non political Archbishop.
This is white robed Gnanasara play a ditry game for a regime change.
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Naman / May 5, 2019
In my opinion the current Cardinal M Ranjith is NOT fit to be the Cardinal.He had been a pro Rajapaksa person. He could have guided the former President to bring peace and prosperity to our country. He should go and so should Sirisena and Ranil
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Nimal Tissa Wijethunga / May 5, 2019
Yes. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith must seize this opportunity to the maximum to annihilate Muslim Terrorism as same as annihilation of the terrorism of LTTE and sun god Prabhakaran.
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Native Vedda / May 6, 2019
Nimal Tissass Wijethunga
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“Yes. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith must seize this opportunity to the maximum to annihilate Muslim Terrorism”
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When did you become a born again Sinhala/Buddhist Christian?
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Why not get help from Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHS) the Neo Hindu Fascists?
By the way I forgot to mention if you want to speed up destruction of this island and and complete it to your full satisfaction bring in all the reactionaries from all over the world and let the Caliphate building “Islamists” in without a visa.
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Nimal Tissa Wijethunga / May 6, 2019
Ah Native/Kala/Angoda Veddah, How are you after sometime?
Yes, everybody aware that the Angoda veddah or Native Veddah thriving when terrorism is around as he does not like a situation without terrorism.
He is definitely a resident patient from Angoda.
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Sinhala_Man / May 7, 2019
Dear Nimal Tissass Wijethunga,
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We are faced with many dilemmas, and have other things to do in life as well. Yet we attend to this necessary chore of, repeatedly having to counter comments from people like you who attempt to sow confusion. Native Veddah and Amarasiri do a wonderful job, making quick surveys of almost half the articles and making comments that are mostly thought-provoking and healthy, always consistent, sometimes brilliant. And there is “nimal fernando”, also brilliant and versatile, but not as prolific.
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.Then there are “lesser lights” like Spring Koha, Old codger, Desperate Sinhalaya, Sinhalese Buddhist, K. Pillai, Bunjappu, Peace and Justice etc. (and myself?) who make comments whenever we can, sometimes getting confused by handles which so confuse us that we make a wrong turning, but then apologise when getting back on track. We are all human, but without arrogance, – and we have to abide by the 300-word rule. Our perspectives may be somewhat different, but we try to be honest.
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And then we have those like you, Malcolm Ranjith, Eagle Eye, etc who seem essentially evil, who spout dissension causing rot. We don’t “white-van” you fellows.
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Is there any point appealing to a better sense in “devils incarnate” like you?
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Douglas / May 5, 2019
Rev. Cardinal Ranjith Malcum: According to reporting in news, I saw a delegation led by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse met you after the attacks on Churches. At this meeting, you have supposedly told MR: “When you are to form a Government, exclude all the corrupted politicians and refrain from appointing such people as Ministers”. In the delegation, (in the pictures) I noticed MPs Wimal Weerawanse, Prof: G.L Peiris, Vasudeva Nanayakkara. seated to listen to your “Sermon”. What made you to ask MR “When you form a Government”? Are you so “SURE” of that and was it a “GODLY MESSAGE”? Then, recently you said: “I am not happy with the ongoing investigations and security measures”. This statement was given wide publicity and you being the “GODLY MESSENGER” these days, the general public tend to make their own concerns and choices as regards security and safety. I know GOD will pardon you, because “YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE UTTERING AND DOING”. In my humble opinion, I would ask you: Please DO NOT take part to “CRUCIFY” the “GOD” – meaning the PEACE of the country by making utterances that would SHIFT political advantages to a once tested and rejected criminals of all sorts AND knowingly or unknowingly give “ENCOURAGEMENT” for the PEOPLE to throw DOUBTS on the ongoing investigations and “TAKE TO THE STREETS” (once you said this too) and create further havoc. May GOD have MERCY on you and bestow STRENGTH and COURAGE to extinguish that “EGO” and be HUMBLE to bring PEACE to the country and people. Please SORT OUT you concerns directly (one to one basis) with the Authorities concerned rather than going PUBLIC. Also, please don’t go by “Malwatta” or “Asgiriya” traditions (playing politics and becoming a PREY of Politicians).
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Ethel Nanayakkara / May 5, 2019
I am a Catholic and I quite agree with you. He is the spiritual leader of the Catholics. He should be concerned about their spiritual welfare. In my opinion it would have been more appropriate for him as a spiritual leader to have the churches opened so that the faithful can seek solace, comfort and strength through the sacraments and community prayer. He should comply with the spirit of the government in power and open the Catholic private schools AND the churches. Why are the faithful not allowed to enter the churches?
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Fred / May 5, 2019
Oh, no! Let the good Cardinal confine his efforts to care for the welfare of his people as he has done so admirably during the last two weeks, and give anything political, a wide berth – a very wide berth. We already have too much of religion and politics getting mixed up and that has only been to the detriment to both.
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Not in our name / May 5, 2019
Today in the Tamil TV program hosted by Ranga ,”Minel ”
A guest talking on behalf of Up Country Tamils was making a very dangerous insinuation ,
He was indirectly saying it’s the Muslim Community who must take responsibility and not the politicians.
This is low down cheap politics , some are trying very hard to ruin the entire effort taken.by Rev
Archbishop.
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ASHAD / May 5, 2019
Michael Chan,
rings a bell huh ..
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K.Pillai / May 5, 2019
Amrit Muttukumaru, like other well meaning Lankans, feels that ‘The Moment For Genuine Reconciliation’ and that ‘Cardinal Ranjith Must Seize The Moment’.
Over the last seventy years we have had hundreds of such ‘Moments’ but decided to let them go.
In fact, SLPP has made out that ‘Reconciliation’ will result in ‘Separation’. MR saw the pot of gold and transferred the ownership of SLPP!
Will the voters get dazzled?
PS: Please tell us Amrit, the difference between ‘Reconciliation’ and ‘Genuine Reconciliation’.
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Amrit cannot be serious in suggesting {“The first order of business of the Cardinal is to get national consensus to have Chapter 2 – Article 9 of the Constitution giving “foremost place” to Buddhism repealed”}.
The ‘foremost place’ was allocated by an atheist/socialist Colvin R de Silva.
It is easy to change from ‘secular’ to ‘segregated’ but not the other way round.
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Amrit talks of SL being multi-ethnic and multi-religious.
SL is mono-ethnic. Only four main religions unless one counts sub-sects.
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Desperate Citizen / May 5, 2019
Sudden Curfew in Negombo just now
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thondamany / May 5, 2019
First to Michael Chan….. The person who made the stupid tamil people of the North made to believe be JESUS CHRIST was Velupillai Piribaharan according the rougue priest S.J.Emmanuel ;
LTTE fighters were fighters of Christ.
The suicide Cadres deserve martyrdom
Rayappu abducted the Our Lady of Madhu Statue to the Wanni for the Divine Mother to visit her son.
Then what does WikiLeaks expose on ISIS and who created them?
Answer lies there to the mayhem the country face today.
Rest is upto your imagination, folks.
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taraki / May 5, 2019
What reconciliation with supporters of IS? What reconciliation with people who consider Sinhala Buddhists and Christians infidels? Have you even read what they are told to do with us?
http://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/quran/index.htm
Minister Abdel-Haleem has said there are about 317 Arabic schools operating in the country established through Muslim MP’s putting forward private motions in Parliament. Their purpose (according to the Gazette notification) is to produce theologians to guide society through the principles of Sharia law. The Ministry of Muslim Affairs arranged the syllabus after examining the curriculum used in the Bangladesh madrasas (religious schools). Both Ranil and MP Mujiber Rahman are supposed to be involved in this matter.
And people want reconciliation? Why is this allowed in a Buddhist country? Was Ven Gnanasara right in 2014 after all? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IiGt_AJFsM
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Native Vedda / May 6, 2019
taraki
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“What reconciliation with supporters of IS? What reconciliation with people who consider Sinhala Buddhists and Christians infidels? “
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You are right first you got to reconcile the Sinhalese, Buddhists, Tamils, Hindus, Muslism, Atheist, ……………………….. with the Sinhala/Buddhist noisy minority before they convert the rest of the people into Sinhala/Buddhist fascists.
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Please let me know when you start the process because I want to be right behind you.
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Wizaran / May 6, 2019
Muttukumaru,
looks like your display of naivete calls for revisiting the past. This so called Cardinal Malcom Ranjit despite being the Archbishop of Colombo, recommended that the Buddhism be given the foremost place in the Constitution of Sri Lanka and make all other religions below Buddhism. And you are asking him to lead the “genuine reconciliation?”
Very good one! Another clueless!!
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K A Sumanasekera / May 6, 2019
Is Mr Muthukumaru a dear Friend of our Catholic brothers and sisters to come from wherever and offer this Wise Consul to Archbishop His Highness Dr Malcolm Ranjith in this Hour of Need?….
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I mean Dr Ranil and his Yahapalana lot came with a Bang – pardon the pun.. And the top priority of Dr Ranill’s Agenda was to expunge Buddhism from the Constitution.
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Thank God, it was His Highness Dr Malcolm Ranjith who told Dr Ranil to literally Get Lost while our Maha Mahanayaka of Malwatta was tying Pirith Nule on Dr Ranil and his CA Heads
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And even promised Dr Ranil to write the New UNP Thripitaka . to go along with his New Constitution..
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Sinhala Buddhist people who are not in the UNP will never forget that gesture of this Cardinal who has been a blessing for all Sinhala people specially in the last 4 and a half years, irrespective of their Religion again except the UNP supporters of course.
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Sinhala Buddhist are now even more supportive of the Cardinal than ever before.
I am sure the Cardinal has the Wisdom to do the right thing for his followers as well as the followers of Buddhism .
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Is this Muthkumara , JV.P TNA, or Diaspora member?..
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Native Vedda / May 6, 2019
KASmaalam K A Sumanasekera
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“I mean Dr Ranil and his Yahapalana lot came with a Bang “
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According to your old rant Dr Ranil and his Yahapalana lot had gone with the bank, I mean the Central Bank, and nothing is left for Clan to rob anymore.
Please clarify.
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kali / May 6, 2019
Amrit Muttukumaru
Cardinal Ranjith Must Seize The Moment For Genuine Reconciliation.
*** I take it that you are a Christian and you are playing Jesus . You are repeating the Gospel “if some one hits you in one Cheek offer them the other cheek. No I say to you an ” eye for an eye”. Who do you reconcile with ” you mean the sinners ” NO my friend.. In my book Accountability is a Pre requisite to Reconciliation. . Sinners must be brought to books before we can move an inch and Mahintha Lovers ( there are many ) Gotha Lover ( Only One) must show remorse for their sins. I have heard Gotha being described as Patriot. The Bugger abandoned his Countries Nationality and embraced US Nationality and he is going to pay a price ( I hope) for comitting atrocities while an American Citizen.
Unless Sinkalams are brought to their Knees (already reeling) they will never deliver. Keeping repeating the Sermon Morning Mid & Evening and we will get to the Promised Land, If they dont listen there is more to come because there is a ” Fatwah” decalared by Bagdadi.
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Nimal Tissa Wijethunga / May 6, 2019
The problem lies in the attitudes, perspectives, point of view in my understanding as Muslims in general started asking separate food, separate clothes, which is mainly full body cover by black clothe as this is considered as ghost colour by the majority living in Sri Lanka, separate schools, madrasas, Arabic language etc. Everybody knows that hardly about 7 to 8 years ago there was nothing similar to that in the muslim society and they started looking towards Arabian Peninsula in very recent times and in order to maintain solidarity with the countries in the Arabian Peninsula rather than they are being Sri Lankans, they have started asking those and started practising those.
The muslims must understand that all those above aspects are against the traditions of Sri Lanka in particular and even not practiced in the entire Sub Continent.
Unless the muslims in general recognise these and correct themselves, there will never be any reconciliation.
In other words, they have a decision to take that they want to be Sri Lankans or Arabs.
If there is genuine desire by the Muslims in general to be Sri Lankans, they shall not practise the above and also have to struggle within their communities to stop moving towards Arabian peninsula in order to be Sri Lankans.
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Not in our name / May 6, 2019
The Mosques of Terororism FOREWARNED IN The Holy Quran
—‘XX
Surah At-Tawbah [9:107] – Al-Qur’an al-Kareem – القرآن الكريم
https://quran.com › At-Tawbah
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Henry Fernando / May 6, 2019
Let us not cast aspersions on others. We Catholics and others too should do well to remember that there is a spiritual dimension in Politics too. Jesus Christ Himself died for Truth and Justice. Cardinal or any other Priest must be a witness to Truth and Justice among many other priestly duties. Please do not expect Priests or other clergy to look the other way when some one is in danger. Cardinal has a duty and a responsibility look after his flock, not only to administer Holy Sacraments but also to be concerned about their corporal needs. That is why Jesus took pity on people who came to listen to Him and fed them knowing they were hungry. In our own context Priests of God must be more involved in the lives of poor .and the needy and fearlessly speak on their behalf. we should not misinterpret as politics.Cardinal is quite right speaking to Politicians and Govt. Officers and cooperating with them in their efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the people. We fully endorse your stand and the Laity should take a leaf from his good example.
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Ethel Nanayakkara / May 6, 2019
Of course, not only the Cardinal and the priests we all must stand for truth and justice. My point is that the churches should be opened for the faithful. I am so very glad and relieved to hear that the Cardinal is concerned about the corporal needs of his flock! I feel that at this moment he must ensure that his flock has the spiritual resources they need to seek comfort, solace and strength through the sacraments and joint community prayer. When all other public and religious institutes and places are open I cannot fathom why the churches are locked up against the faithful.
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Eusense / May 7, 2019
Ethel,
What is your problem with the Cardinal??
Are you a Christian? When and where did Jesus say praying has to be in a church?
Are you taking responsibility for those Catholics, if there is again a bombing in a church? Knowing how our leaders handled intelligence last time, I am surprised by your posts!
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Ethel Nanayakkara / May 6, 2019
Of course, not only the Cardinal and the priests we all must stand for truth and justice. My point is that the churches should be opened for the faithful. I am so very glad and relieved to hear that the Cardinal is concerned about the corporal needs of his flock! I feel that at this moment he must ensure that his flock has the spiritual resources they need to seek comfort, solace and strength through the sacraments and joint community prayer. When all other public and religious institutes and places are open I cannot fathom why the churches are locked up against the faithful.
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Nimal Tissa Wijethunga / May 6, 2019
Ah Native/Kala/Angoda Veddah, How are you after sometime?
Yes, everybody aware that the Angoda veddah or Native Veddah thriving when terrorism is around as he does not like a situation without terrorism.
He is definitely a resident patient from Angoda.
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Reply to not in our name / May 7, 2019
@not in our name
There is a very powerful hiddenhand behind ISIS who not only want to destroy Muslims but mainly want to destroy The Vatican, sadly the Catholics have been fooled by this most dangerous group who.are advocates of the devil in God’s name.
They are doing all they can to humilate the catholic church , why only the Catholic church is today under attack for sexual.misconduct when plenty of other faiths members are too ?
The Catholic Church must stop apologizing for the past and demand to investigate all the religous groups for d
Same accusations without becoming a prey and let their Community be destroyed .
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Trust in God ,but tie your Camel / May 7, 2019
All The Islamic organisations now have a huge responsibility in their hands
(including BORAH,Ahmedi and Ismaili and Local Shia Muslims )
If They are really sincere towards protecting Sri Lanka and are true patriots ,then they must come up with the following ,
Register every single Muslim in every corner of the Island (including ex -Muslims , ie those who claim to have converted to other faiths and atheism) every information should be storeed with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs (A must is eachones affiliated school of thought)( their economic situation is most crucial as those in debts or in poverty could be easy recruits in future “God Forbid” )
Then each one should be issued a ID CARD(I was told by a close BORAH friend they have something similar and further the screening of all Madaradasas and Mosque Sermons and other speeches online
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Henry Fernando / May 7, 2019
Dear friends let us not get into arguments and debates. Though we Catholics profess the same faith it can manifest in ourselves at different levels. At this time of grief mingled with anger and hatred towards the perpetrators we should not forget or lose trust in our saviour Jesus. Catholics congregating in churches is not advisable at all as these religious fanatics could do the same again. There is dirty politics operating behind the curtain, we have witnessed the utter corrupt and disgraceful behaviour of political leaders. In this unpredictable scenario let us have recourse to our Blessed Mother and return to our family Rosary in our homes. God bless our Country. Thank you.
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paul / May 7, 2019
The trouble in Negombo started with a dispute between a Muslim trishaw driver and a Catholic. Fortunately nobody was killed. After the curfew was lifted the Cardinal visited the scene accompanied by an Imam. The Cardinal scolded the Catholics and told them not to cause trouble and endanger innocent people’s lives. This is an admirable thing to do. A pity the sleeping Mahanayakas do not do the same at times of tension.
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Henry Fernando / May 7, 2019
Paul ,Sad to say their motives are different, They prefer to remain silent spectators and encourage the politicians to propagate the Lord Buddha’s noble teachings with their own interpretations . So long as the Govt. vouch to protect Buddhism and sinhala race that is all that they want. They are not concerned about criminal , Illegal activities of politicians and some Senior monks. However we are consoled by the fact that there are a majority of Monks who are true followers of Lord Buddha who are an example to lay people . We hope the politicians will not pervert them and make them dance to their tune.My humble request to the Mahanayaka Theros is to come out of their comfort zones and admonish the errant politicians .
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