The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo endangered the lives of hundreds of thousands of people today by becoming the newest, most far-reaching fake news source.
Cardinal Malcom Ranjith
Rev. Fr. Deninton Subasinghe, the principle assistant Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and the Administration Secretary of the Archdiocese of Colombo, sent out an unverified mass text message to parish priests in the early hours of Monday, 13 May, claiming that he had intelligence on terrorists wearing military fatigues.
The full message read,
Forwarded from His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.
FOR URGENT ATTENTION
Dear Father, good morning. I have complaints of terrorists clad in Army and police uniforms coming to houses to attack with swords. Kindly be on alert and inform your parishioners not to open the door. God bless.
Fr Deninton Subasinghe
Security sources said that the message puts civilians at risk as police and military conducting legitimate search operations would treat those who refuse access as hindering searches. The Emergency Regulations under the State of Emergency authorise security personnel to use force to enter properties if necessary.
Colombo Telegraph reliably learns that the message was not cleared with the Cardinal before it was sent in the early hours of on Monday.
The message was expected to reach to reach nearly a million Roman Catholics which come under the nearly 250 parishes under the Archdiocese though parish priests, and the other ten diocese in Sri Lanka.
Multiple sources from the Archdiocese confirmed that Fr Subasinghe did not verify the information from government sources, nor did he inform or consult the military deployed to the Archbishop’s Residence before sending his message.
The Government and Security Services had earlier threatened that those who spread fake news that would incite violence will be arrested.
However, two sources from the newly set-up Joint Operations Command under Maj Gen Sathyapriya Liyanage said that they have been ordered not to scrutinise Fr Subasinghe’s actions.
Roger Basenpaul / May 13, 2019
Colombo Telegraph the divisionalist website has again started its attacks and innuendo against the His Eminence Cardinal.
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S. Wijesinghe / May 13, 2019
Once bitten twice shy – It is still shocking that hundreds were killed because of neglect. I am of the view that even doubtful information should be communicated but with an addition ‘not yet verified’. The general public has not received an acceptable answer to many questions such as ‘Why so many swords and bullets?’ ‘Why so many army uniforms?’ ‘Why a fake army vehicle?’ ‘Who commands the police? Are the politicians allowed to command the police to release suspected perpetrators?’ In this context, it is necessary to alert people, but stating that the particular information is not verified. Only someone who lost a dear one will know the life long suffering and unending loneliness that one has to endure. Hence, it was only right that Fr. Dennington communicated the alert. When one receives an alert and if it is a question of life and death, one is obliged to communicate it in order to save life. This is the heinous crime of serious neglect committed by the authorities against the innocent killed and mutilated on the 21st of April.
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Thiru / May 14, 2019
“Mr. Rajapaksa said the social media ban had created an irrational fear among the people. “Therefore, I request all of you to uphold the rule of law.
“Haha, when did MR become the champion of the rule of law, after committing genocide of Tamils?
Sri Lanka and the rule of law parted ways in 1956 as far as Tamils are concerned.
This man is paying lip service to the rule of law – hypocrisy.
Even the Buddhist Bhikus and the armed forces including the police don’t want enforcing the rule of law even during the current anti-Muslim riots if it involves arresting or shooting Sinhalese culprits: They are ever ready to arrest Tamils or Muslims.
Appe Aanduwa doesn’t care for the rule of law. It’s the rule of the jungle.
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A Sri Lankan / May 14, 2019
This Cardinal himself is a Fake and a humbug. He is a shameless Rajapakshe stooge who obtained personal favors from the Rajapakshe government and therefore it is obvious that the Cardinal will be obliged to preach a political sermon in favor of the Rajapakshes. The Rajapakshes want this to be a Sinhala-Buddhist country (because only the Sinhala-Buddhists vote for them) and the Cardinal accepts every bull crap that the Rajapakshes utter. Suppose if the Catholics accept what the Cardinal says, then what about others. The Non-Catholic Christians, Muslims and the Hindus? How come the Sinhalese who came as immigrants from India (both North and South) and brought Buddhism from India claim to own the whole island as their own country?
Why cannot this stupid Cardinal understand the basic fact that Sri Lanka is not a Sinhala Country or a Tamil Country or an English Country? It is not a Buddhist Country or a Hindu Country or a Muslim Country or a Christian Country. It is not a Country belonging or dedicated to any one religion or ethnicity. Sri Lanka belongs to all the linguistic, ethnic, religious, and ideological groups with their historical and cultural backgrounds who have become citizens of the Sri Lankan state and who are therefore known all over the world as ‘Sri Lankans’. We Sri Lankans have no other country but Sri Lanka.
The biggest Joke is, some stupid Morons are proposing a Nobel Peace prize for this Rajapakshe stooge.
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Rabok / May 14, 2019
It is not the Cardinal who is humbug – it is you who is a humbug donkey – Since the actions of Cardinal prevent Catholic taking arms against local non radical Muslims and another bloody 1983 which gave birth to LTTE – these humbugs are desperate now , because their plan to destabilize the country and fulfill the grand plan of their masters partially failed – now riots against Muslims are being fueled – by whom ?? if Rev. Cardinal is following Rajapaksas tail then he would have incited his people to take up arms and start rioting which would have create chaos and MR camp would have a golden opportunity tell the people ” if we were there we would not have allowed this to happen and so and so is the correct choice for the President” — carefully watch the scenarios now unfolding – Bloody Awamangala do not try to retain power on the dead bodies of innocent people
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Marina Therese Faiz / May 14, 2019
If one is a stupid moron they recognize other stupid moros
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Warnakulasuriya / May 14, 2019
I totally agree with you.
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Kalu Nangi / May 13, 2019
If the Government and Security Forces decided to take action against providers of fake news, they MUST do so irrespective of the Post of the sender or whether he is a VIP or not. That is the only way to stop people trying to bring this country to a halt.
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A Disgusted Catholic / May 14, 2019
Definitely. But considering who backs him, the Cardinal, no action will be taken. Action is taken only against humble and innocent citizens
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Amarasiri / May 14, 2019
The whole Catholic Church is Fake.
Ask Martin Luther
Ask the Jews.
Ask Chris Hitchens about the crimes committed over 20 centuries.
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Nandanee / May 13, 2019
“have been ordered not to scrutinise Fr Subasinghe’s actions.” could you call this partiality ?
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Professor ANI Ekanayaka / May 13, 2019
Given his strong ‘pluralist’ orientation as conveyed by his past utterances, it is even questionable whether this Cardinal is a “Christian” at all by the Biblical definition !! Consequently his words and actions must be seen in that perspective.
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Lilamani Goonewardene / May 13, 2019
We live in a pluralist society and our actions have to be inclusive.
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Bodin / May 14, 2019
Here is another fundamentalist, now a christian fundamentalist. Is he going to propose those who do not fit the Biblical definition to be burnt at the stake?
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A Disgusted Catholic / May 14, 2019
He has his own political agenda and works with Satan. No man of God will make statements as what he has done – i.e. to say that the culprits should be dealt with mercilessly. Even the last words of the Lord Jesus from the Cross was – “Father forgive them for them no not what they do”.
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Marina Therese Faiz / May 14, 2019
wonder why he is calling himself a disgusted Catholic, why doesn’t he find peace and satisfaction by joining these fundamentalist sects, they make everyone happy and satisfied.
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Rabok / May 14, 2019
You bloody idiot why are you so annoyed with Rev. Cardinal ?? because he prevented a bloody carnage in this country ?? – when he said all the culprits must be dealt with mercilessly – he did not meant that they must be shot at point blank – he want them to be punished as per the law of this land – what the bloody hell is wrong in that – You want Rev . Cardinal to behave like Yahapalana Cahoots who want to protect these murderers because of their votes – Yes the Lord Jesus said “Farther forgive them for them know not what they do ” – Listen as per the published evidence the preparation for this carnage happened with the full knowledge of the current Political leadership of this country – therefore ” Father forgive them for them know what they do does not apply
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Marina Therese Faiz / May 14, 2019
Wonder who you are and why can’t you publish your name? Are you a coward that you don’t want your name published. I wonder whether you are even a Catholic, more like a fundamentalist.
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Rabok / May 15, 2019
My name is Jayantha – I am a born Catholic – what else you want to know ?? and I love my country dearly -and will stand against any one who would say anything against my country specially – neo-liberal donkeys who really have no feeling towards the country or its people – I am neither blue or green or purple and have not seen or talked to any leaders of these outfits – but very carefully follow the developing scenarios to see how these development affect my country -I firmly believe that we need a strong forward thinking leader – who could take firm decisions for the betterment of the country and put them into action without worrying about consequences – we do not need politically correct leaders but leaders who can take correct decisions
Without thinking who I am try to understand my point of view
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K.Anaga / May 15, 2019
Rabok!
No body is born to any particular religion. You may have been born to parents of a particular religion. Even then, both parents may not some times belong to the same religion. With the passage of time when the child grows he/she may follow a religion of her preference or not follow any religion at all taking into consideration the present situation.in Srilanka and else where.
Is a religion really necessary to lead a decent life. Apparently not.
WITHOUT MALICE TO WORDS ANY RELIGION.
I spoke to good friend of mine who considers himself a good Anglican.I asked him as to why so many people were killed on a a day Jesus was resurrected. Why was it not possible for Jesus to resurrect at least one of the devotees killed to show the world that powers of the Christ are still exist. His answer was, we must thank god that more people were not killed??????????????????.
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Rabok / May 14, 2019
Cardinal is a true Roman Catholic leader – and the path he had taken is exactly the same as the path taken by Jesus – Why the hell all these attack against Rev. Cardinal ?? He prevented a bloody carnage in this country – What the heck is wrong about it ?? What the hell all these idiots criticizing him wants him to do ?? Led a armed group of Catholics and kill Muslims ?? Like JR Government let happened in 1983 -Who is this bloody professor who is trying to find Bible definitions about Christians – Awamangala Doctors ??
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Ethel Nanayakkara / May 13, 2019
I as a catholic appeal to the Cardinal please to stand back and let the leaders and the security forces carry out their duties to protect the ordinary citizens of the country. Just like what happened with the political leaders are we to understand that the cardinal’s assistant sent this message without his knowledge?. The Catholics in the affected areas and we in general acted with patience and compassion in the immediate aftermath of the disaster guided by our faith and realising the gravity of a reprisal. The christian community will and must respect the rule of law and extend our support to ensure that security is maintained. Even as the immediate victims of the carnage bore their loss and pain with christ-like compassion and love, our main focus should be to support them spiritually with our prayers and other means as our resources allow us. Let’s stand back and allow the security and political leadership to carry out their duties and responsibilities..
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babanpunchi / May 13, 2019
Ethel,
as a religious leader he is fine the way he settled calm and peace following easter sunday disaster, but I always knew that this guy would work with abusive Rajakashes for any kind of hidden agendas. He is caught by WIMAL BURUWASNSEA WESTERN invasion etc … in the same time, IRONICALLY. he is uttering a single word against Chinese invasion.
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babanpunchi / May 13, 2019
It should be Rev. Ranjith does not utter a single word against CHINESE invasion. Thanks.
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K A Sumanasekera / May 14, 2019
Do this Duo Babanpunch and Ethel live in Scarborough, East London or Srikotha?
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Dias / May 13, 2019
Political leadership needs help
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Warnakulasuriya / May 14, 2019
Let’s stand back and allow the security to carry out their duties but not the bullshit political leaders who allowed this tragic incident to take place when they had all the information.
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S. Modaya / May 13, 2019
The foreign hands and intel agenceis behind the Easter carnage are putting out fake news and spreading fear psychosis with these stories and planting them in the heads of stupid priests to stir up trouble , destabilize the country so that USA can set up a military base in Trinco and control airspace in sri lanka under the guise of fighting IS, which the CIA owns and operates.
Long live Miracle of Modayas!
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Leslie / May 14, 2019
Well said. If only they can see beyond their noses
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nalmen / May 13, 2019
cardinal is the new authority on security matters
is he now going to say those famous words i was not informed
instead of issuing messages from colombo he must visit the curfew areas and bring about peace
to qualify fot the nobel prize negombo is not enough
if he wants to criticise govt actions he must name names saying political leadership is not enough
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A Disgusted Catholic / May 14, 2019
This Cardinal is now trying to do the work of the President, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence instead of administering the the catholic faithful. Shame on him!
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JD / May 13, 2019
Sri lanka earlier was trying to prosecute Rumours. Why social media is not considered as such rumour mongers.
Anyway, CT is doing a great job to spread racism, Religious hatred and divided community.
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A Disgusted Citizen / May 14, 2019
It is NOT CT that is doing these things, it is that Cardinal.
Wake up!!
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Aelajo / May 13, 2019
The principal assistant to the Cardinal sends a message and the Cardinal does not know!
This was bound to happen with the Cardinal playing politics.
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chiv / May 13, 2019
Have I heard this before . Oh yes, didnt MS say the same too.What the principal assistant knew and did the cardinal was not aware ????? Sounds pretty routine in Lanka . President knew but not PM, Some ministers knew but not the cabinet.Police knew but not army. Hemasiri knew but not MS. What else????
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Christopher Seneviratne / May 13, 2019
This idiot priest should have his head examined.
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nalmen / May 13, 2019
no nobel for you dear cardinal
its island wide curfew now
the horse has bolted to china
did he know or did he not
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Paul / May 13, 2019
Why did he bolt to China? Was he warned of trouble at Vesak? Possibly Saturday at 10am ?
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A Disgusted Catholic / May 14, 2019
Nobel Prize for this politically motivated man?????? What an insult
Aren’t there more deserving people to get this Prize?
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Cedric / May 14, 2019
You meant, the donkey has bolted to China?
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Silva / May 13, 2019
They are only good at breaking, looting, killing and destroying every good thing owing to their hatefulness. When they attacked Aluthgama, Digama etc it was apparent that they were inviting and giving way for the IS to step into the country. Unless we act immediately and resolutely to stamp out these kind of violences, the future going to be utterly bleak for the country.
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John / May 13, 2019
So quick thinking Fr. Subasinghe took early precautionary measures. Very admirable!!!!
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Fake or true, this is not the time to take chances with Muslim terrorism.
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Singhe / May 13, 2019
The people going around attacking Muslims and other homes are not “Muslim Terrorism”. They are vigilantes who have taken things into their own hands. When the media contacted Archbishop’s House for confirmation of this text message, they pleaded that media should not give it publicity.
Fr. Subasinghe should never have sent this message. If any such situation occured the alerts should be sen from the police or security forces, not the Archbishops House. Fr. Subasinghe’s behaviour only caused panic amongst the people and is the same as the fake alerts that have been doing the rounds.
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A Disgusted Citizen / May 14, 2019
Under Emergency Regulations the man who sent this message should be arrested. Will this happen?
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clean slate / May 13, 2019
How this good priest thought not
opening doors would provide adequate safety against mobs carrying swords, god only knows.
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Gamaya / May 13, 2019
At least now His Eminence should apologize to the masses on behalf of his own assistant for spreading fake news creating an islandwide curfew.
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A Disgusted Catholic / May 14, 2019
Nothing Eminent about him.
Not only an apology he should STOP all involvement in political matters, even at this late stage
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Rabok / May 14, 2019
And let RW , Awamangala and all the yahapalana cahoots to start chaos in this country – do not open your bloody mouth to show the world that you are a bloody donkey
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Robert M / May 13, 2019
Is this news item actually verified? How come CT is 100% sure that Fr Deninton sent out this message? I think the government should take action against this priest for sending out this information at a time a social media ban was in effect.
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A Disgusted Citizen / May 14, 2019
Yes, according to Emergency Regulations the person who sent this message should be arrested.
Will it be done is the question?
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Douglas / May 13, 2019
The whole country has been placed under curfew. The Leader of the STATE – the President and the Minister of Defence has “BOLTED” with “27” others. Does anyone know the names of those “27”. Hope Daham and his wife not in the “Entourage”. What a”JOKE” is this? Earlier in my comments, I took exception to some of the statements of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and prayed that should refrain making observations as to the security arrangements made by the Defence Forces and the Police. Yesterday, he said not only the officials, but also the political Leaders must be dealt with. It is “TRUE”, but he must think,( knowing very well how the people of Sri Lanka of are going to react) how such utterances are going to set fire to already volatile situation. He must also know how many other “PARTIES” (Looters, Criminals & Political animals) are waiting to grab any opportunity to “GAIN” in accordance with their own “AGENDA”. This “MAN” – the President has gone “NUTS” . Where is he, who said I am ready “DIE” along with the Security Forces. Is he going to do that in China? If it is, much better for the country. , because what is the purpose of having a “Head” of a STATE who bolts away in a crisis.? I think we must thank MR for not appointing Sirisena as the PM during his tenure of office as President. A FB comment said: ” Are we sure that this Sirisena is not the “DUMMY” MR took along with him to the polling both on the election day”?.
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chiv / May 13, 2019
Rekindle your memory. Black July. Kottiya saga. Nation was warned of a threat in parliament, even SF mentioned the date, flashed all over media in advance, even Cardinal join the fun by sending fake messages from early morning. Curfew is passed. MS took off to China. PTA is the new rule. What we are witnessing right now are well coordinated and organized attacks on Muslims by goons. If they resist they will be shot dead by security, tagging as ISIS. or arrest under PTA rules. Until then security will be mere spectators to give false hope/security to public.
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Good Sense / May 13, 2019
After reading the text, I cannot understand that as fake news. It clearly says that there is information or complaints, just as much as their was information from India about the Easter Sunday attacks. If the security were to tap at the door for search there is nothing wrong to request for the identity of the principal searching officer and check it with emergency number 1919. The words “not to open the door” definitely tastes the cake and as stated in the article force can be used if the search is illegally resisted. So Father Subasinghe should have told the folks to request the identity and verify the party who is conducting a search.
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Sriyani / May 13, 2019
Galabodaatthe Gnanasaara is conducting anti muslim campaigns and riots from prison. He is the biggest curse to this country.
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Father benny / May 14, 2019
Unfortunately this cannot be real news as there is no priest named Fr Deninton Subasinghe
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K A Sumanasekera / May 14, 2019
Good one Father…
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Ravi / May 14, 2019
Father Benny,
Please can you explain who this is? >>> https://sleev.org/teachers-details.php?lec_id=7
Now you are also propagating fake news, isn’t it?
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
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clean slate / May 14, 2019
There certainly is. He is what he looks . A childISHly innocent looking character tailing the cardinal. Serious matters shouldn’t be left in his hands.
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A Disgusted Catholic / May 14, 2019
Father Benny, if that is your real name, the Priest mentioned is the Secretary of this politically motivated Cardinal
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Douglas / May 14, 2019
Sriyani: While Gnanasara is conducting from prison, “Hisbulla, Asad Sally & the Gang” are conducting with “Impunity” and “Blessings” from the President & PM,(both past and present).from inside “Air Conditioned” comforts and using State Resources. Who is doing and did well so far?
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Googlie / May 14, 2019
Colombo Telegraph is attacking the Archbishop from left, right and centre without even checking accuracy of news. Very poor journalism.
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Saman / May 14, 2019
Do not blame His Eminent Cardinal or any Priest.
Military forces and police will look after the community as much as they can.
Blame Sirisena.
Again he left the country and ignited the flame in
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K A Sumanasekera / May 14, 2019
Here we go.
Over one thousand Police and military like outfits were discovered in Galle District.
Muslims have collections of Swords and Knives to protect their Women and Girls.
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Do our brave Soldiers and STF who took the fight up to Pirahaparan wear fake Uniforms and wield Swords , when they go on Search Operations?.. ?
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What is CT trying to do now?…
Hasn’t Mangala already dissed the Cardinal enough?…’
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Anton Benedict / May 14, 2019
Absolutely
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Ashini / May 14, 2019
Well, we had a very bad experience where we lost 100s of catholic in just one day. We need to be updated with everything that goes around. With a note “not verified”. There is no point crying after milk is spilt. Please inform the government to arrest the real terrorists who is out there. Not the innocent people who try to save at least one person with what ever the information they get not knowing which is the truth anymore with all that happened.
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Mike / May 14, 2019
As I have mentioned several times before, Malcolm Ranjith (I wont even use the word Cardinal) is a scheming politician and NOT a priest. This current situation has been a god sent to him to exhibit his peacock plumes and to speak in ‘tongues’ in favour of the opposition.
People who suggest he should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize should have their heads examined. It’s high time the Pope clipped his wings.
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Petra Ludwyk / May 14, 2019
Police should keep an eye on Amith Amarasinghe and his Mahason Balakaya. Also what was Madhumadhawa Arawinda doing in Hettipola Muslim riots yesterday?
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