By Rt. Revd Dhiloraj Canagasabey – Bishop of Colombo –
Rt. Revd Dhiloraj Canagasabey
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I write this pastoral letter to you I write this as your Bishop as we approach the 65th anniversary of our national independence. It is with a heavy heart that I write it, the reason being that in the past few days we have seen the complete collapse of the rule of law in our nation. We no longer appear to be a constitutional democracy.
The rule of law means that we as a nation are governed by a system of laws to which the lawmakers themselves are subject. This is a way of ensuring that power is not concentrated in the hands of one person (or group of persons) and exercised arbitrarily. The breakdown of such accountability is a process that has been building up for the past several years. It has now climaxed in the recent events that have seen both the Executive and the Legislature disregarding the provisions of the very Constitution which they swore to uphold and defend, giving the appearance of a country ruled on the principle that ”Might is Right”
The numerous warnings that the Church, other religious organizations and civil society bodies repeatedly issued have been ignored. There is currently a climate of fear and helplessness, where people remain silent rather than speak out against rampant injustice. intimidation, violence and falsehoods.
We as a Christian Church cannot remain silent in this situation. Such silence will be dishonouring to our Lord and a betrayal of our identity as His people. I wish to remind you that right from the day of Pentecost, the Church has learnt to say that ‘Jesus is Lord and not Caesar’. Often this has led to suffering and persecution. The Church must always be prepared for this eventuality.
There are many examples in the Bible and Christian history of persons who have refused to follow orders when they have contradicted God’s moral law. Even in the Old Testament, Kings were expected to rule under a law which they themselves did not make and to which they were accountable (Deuteronomy 18: Psalms 72, etc.). Where rulers violated the law, God challenged them through prophetic men and women chosen and sent by him. The Church iscalled to be such a prophetic presence and voice in our local communities, our places of work, our schools and in the wider society
• This is a time for us as a Church to take an honest look at ourselves, where we have shamelessly compromised our loyalty to God. We need to repent of ways in which we, as individuals as well as collectively, have;
• been silent when we should have spoken
• allowed ourselves (thoughtlessly or out of fear) to be used by those in authority to speak lies or commit wrong and unjust acts
• consciously received benefits for ourselves through acts of injustice committed against others
I, as your Bishop, call the Church to a period of lament together for the terrible state of our nation today, and repentance for our failing as a Church to “love mercy, to seek justice and to walk humbly with the Lord” (Micah 6:8).
I, therefore propose that
(a) Sunday 3rd February 2013 be observed in all parishes within our Diocese as a Day of Lament. All services should have an extended time of silence, prayer and intercessions, to grieve over the state of our country today. Please encourage all parishioners to wear white and to fast wherever possible.
(b) We as a diocese will congregate on 4th February 2013 at 9am, dressed in white, for a service to continue our Time of Lament. Those who are unable to be present at the Cathedral for this service are encouraged to gather in their own churches at this time.
c) I further propose that all parishes in our Diocese have a series of Bible studies, reflections and discussions during Lent, which is traditionally a period of self-examination and penitence, to reflect on what it means to live as a faithful disciple-community of Jesus in the context of our nation today.
I thank God for the calling he has given us to be faithful to Him. When others may be controlled by fear and helplessness, we must remember that our Lord who was crucified and suffered death was raised to new life offering hope to all.
In the words of St. Paul, “Therefore my brethren stand firm and immovable, and work for the Lord always; work without limit since you know that in the Lord, your labour cannot be in vain”(I Corinthians 15:58)
With Prayers and Christian Greetings’
The Rt. Revd Dhiloraj Canagasabey
Bishop of Colombo
18th January 2013
Read the original text here
Read the Sinhala translation here
Safa / January 23, 2013
This independence day is devoid of freedom and justice. Celebrate the defeat of terrorism and usher in the yoke of state terror.
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Ben Hurling / January 23, 2013
Blinded by unchecked power corrupt Medamulane clan may try impeach the Bishop of Colombo now.
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cyberviews / January 23, 2013
It is great to see a Christian Church taking a stand for what is right and demonstrating to its congregation the essence of Christian values.Thank you Bishop, your message is sound and clear, especially to those who profess the same faith, but whose actions are the very antithesis of these values. We support you in this act of resistance.
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Jim Softy. / January 25, 2013
Christian Church should talk about the world wide child molesting by priests and should expos what would have happened in Sri Lanka.
Another point is how the Catholic church became so many christian churches and the past – how the church began so many Crusade wars.
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Aney Apochchi! / February 7, 2013
jim Softy:
Is there no limit to your stupidity and the garbled prose you insist on writing (and CT continues to publish!)?
Bishop Canagasabey is NOT a Roman Catholic clergyman.
Nobody in their right mind, Christian or otherwise, has ever tried to shield the child-molesting priests, of whatever faith, from being dealt with except for some of their own religious hierarchy.
Please don’t seek to reduce this discussion to the usual Sri Lankan level of “he said, she said” anti-Christian palaver.
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Yohan Perera / May 29, 2013
Well said…
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K A Sumanasekera / January 23, 2013
The Bishop should be impeached, and sent home and a Buddhist priest installed as the Bishop.
The Bodu Bala Sena should imediately grab the Colombo properties of the Bishop and hand it over to UDA, so that Gota could sell it to the Chinese.
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Ronny / January 23, 2013
Sumanasekera, you can read the minds of the Rajapakses very well. Even though I am a Catholic, I fully endorse what the Rt. Rev. Bishop Canagasabey has stated and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference should also give a statement like this if they too feel that the Constitutional Democracy is completely lost due to the high-handed actions of the present day Rogue Regime. All these unconstitutional actions are for them to LOOT some more and this looting will only stop the day that the peace-loving masses come to the streets.
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Mahela / January 24, 2013
Both Donkeys, Pigs and Foxes are born and not made.They could neither be taught or bcorrected. That’s why Kings who ruled gave the convicts the most severe punishments.
Eventhough The Potruguese, Dutch or British came and Built everything for us and gave everything to us when they left, including Honesty, Liberty, Democracy, Freedom and Good Governance and the Parliament,but after they took over our Gon Harak thieves Sinhala, buddhist Politicians ruined our country.
Our Patta Pal Hora Sinhala Parliament pin padi greedy Crooks along with yellow robe mot..ayas like Somaramas ruined our country ever since they took control of our Country.
If the British had given the Country to KARUPPAIYA’S (shit bucket carriers) WHEN THEY LEFT, KARUPPAIYAS WOULD HAVE RUN THE COUNTRY BETTER THAN THESE POLITICAL THUG MURDERERS AND TSUNAMI ROBBERS.
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Rajapathirana Gurudeva / January 24, 2013
Thank you Mahela for giving a perfect example of how most Catholics and Christians in this country think. Now I don’t have to make a case and defend it. You have proven it . Such Catholics and Christians are in reverence of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British who looted and raped this country. What they left was what they could not take back with them. For instance, the British could not take back the road system they built. Remember the Portuguese government made a formal apology to Sri Lanka in 2005, on the 500th anniversary of their landing in Sri Lanka first, for the atrocities and wrong-doings they had committed in Sri Lanka.
It is people like you who create divisions in this country. It is people like you who help foreigners to play socks with our country.
Shame on you and your Bishop.
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Mahela / January 24, 2013
Rajapathirana,
Please Remember that British not only Ruled Sri Lanka, but seventy other countries…..and most of them are Flourishing and doing very well now. They are Grateful to British who introduced the good governing system to their countries and almost all of them still follow the British Political, education and Health system.
What did British Raped and Looted our Country…..Isn’t it the Kings who had Herams and making citizen to do the same work generation after generation on the Caste system…..What type of education system they had ….other than only for the Previledge.How about the Kings Punishments for Wrong Doers. Can you remember the Kekille verdict….and Kelani Mervin’s Tree string verdict.
Also British built everything without Borrowing from anywhere and gave us FREE when they left.
But now….just to lay a TWO MILE ROAD….ISN’T THE GOVT. BORROWING MONEY FROM OTHER COUNTRIES…..GIVING THEM CONTRACTS AND TAKE 10% COMMISSION………HHO IS RAPING AND WHO IS LOOTING IT’S OWN PEOPLE…..Please tell me.
Go to any country and see yourself. Even Caribbean countries and some African Countries still do their primary, secondary and University education in English Language only…..and all their women are welcome to work in western countries with higher Pay……and not the uncivilised Saudi Arabia who use our women not only as servents….but also to satisfy their animalistic desires and finally murder them also.
Talk to a woman who could reveal everything what they do to them. These are not said in Quarn…..but it’s their nature.
Also don’t forget how we treated mostly upcountry Indian Tamil community and their servants who came to work in Colombo before the Law was introduced. Also to the Sinhala poor people.It’s no better also.
British never taught the so called Supreme Parliament Members to divide our country on Racial and Religious lines. Also the MP’s to Rob, Murder, Drug dealers, thieves, Bribe takers, party jumpers, Liars etc.. as UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake said…..All the corporations they run with Billions of Rupees losses while charging the Highest Rates out of SE Asia from us the consumers.
Don’t forget when British Transported everything to Sri Lanka and other 67 Commonwealth Countries in 1700’s. The ONLY CARGO SHIP we had which was given to us as a donation by Japan was Ceased in South Africa Last year…….Why…
Aren’t this called stealing, Raping and destroying the whole Country, it’s economy and the communities. Why don’t they use their better Brains to develop the country and not to steal from it and falsly Prosecuting and Impeaching political opponents who don’t allow them to rob the country….
While President spends 50% of his time working on Buddhist affairs favouring them for his Political Security while …..he avoid to implement Justice, Democracy, Freedom and Free speach on it’s own people.
This is where the problem is. But you guys still after 60 years of Independence still blame the British for our today’s problems.
IF NOT FOR BRITISH SRI LANKA COULD HAVE STILL RULED BY INDIAN KINGS TODAY.
F.Y.I. Please.
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Dav / January 24, 2013
And what does ‘Mahela’s Bishop’ have to do with his comment???
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Lester / January 24, 2013
The British brought tea to the island. Today that tea is generating $1 billion USD in revenue. Which Sinhala-Buddhist politician has come up with an idea as profitable?
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Raymond Fernando / January 25, 2013
Rajapathirana you are a typical Sri Lankan buddhist who wants to create divisions than finding common ground. Whole world knows what is happening in the Buddhist holy land. Don’t create trouble by talking about history. In the hard core Buddhist upcountry also you find many people with Sinhala names but foriegn look with blue eyes. We are not a pure race. We are mixed and nobody can talk about pure Sinhalayas(Helayas) Problem with Srilankans is that we always trying to find diferences. We are a nation who cannot work together. What has happened to Maha Sanga? When the country is governed by thugs and drug dealers, what have they done? Atleast a Chritian Bishop had the courage and guts to stand up to save our motherland from corrupt politicos.
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Aney Apochchi! / February 7, 2013
K.A. Sumanasekera:
Please don’t suggest the obvious to the obviously criminal. Goodness knows they need little enough encouragement as it is!
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fred / January 23, 2013
It is at once encouraging and humbling to find the Rev Canagasabey, like his predecssor as Bishop of Colombo also did , speaking out bravely in this fashion, and give true witness to his faith. I am afraid he won’t be popular, though – not only because the truth will hurt but there will be the usual detractors to point out that he belongs to a minority religion and a minority racial group. It won’t be long before he is accused of being part of that ‘international conspiracy’ bent on negating the ‘gains’ derived from defeating the ‘world’s most ruthless terrorist organistion’.
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Dr.R.de.S.Seneviratne / January 23, 2013
REverand, can buddhists particpate at this event? it is the only way possible for us to show our dissent on the present situation in Sri Lanka.
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Mohanasundaram / January 23, 2013
Good idea, If it is going to be an inter – releigeous gathering it would be more effective. Now is the time fro all the leaders of different relegions to come together to save our country
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KR / January 24, 2013
Dear Dr. Seneviratne,
There is no bar, anyone can participate. In fact all religions must come together for this cause.
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Nabil / January 25, 2013
Good idea readers of CJ. I believe a day of prayer organized by inter faith groups could bring together many of us who don’t want to be seen mixing up with political goons.
I hope the good bishop can take this forward and make this an inclusive prayer session
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justice / January 23, 2013
Followers of the Lord Jusus Christ are divided all over the world into umpteen factions.They even dissent in how to worship the Lord.
Now, the international debate is about female priests, homosexuality of clergy and laymen & child abuse.
The good Bishop wishes his flock to ‘lament’.
Thousands are already ‘lamenting’ the way they are forced to live,endure injustice daily,even lament the denial of their Right to Lament deaths of Kith & Kin.
The good bishop’s views are at variance with bishops of other factions of christians who even join the powers that be,to glorify the civic leaders of the nation.
‘Lament’ will not solve socio/political problem.
He must state where he stands in the present socio/political landscape.
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Java Jones / January 23, 2013
Justice – It seems pretty clear where the Bishop “stands in the present socio/political landscape.” What more would you like him to state?
And with regard to your assertion that “Followers of the Lord Jusus Christ are divided all over the world into umpteen factions” – how different is this to all other religions?
What exactly is the point you are attempting to make?
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justice / January 23, 2013
Java Jones,
1.What he can state is the truth.
2.He represents only a minor fraction of ‘beleivers’.
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Java Jones / January 24, 2013
Justice – I got the impression that he IS being truthful. What makes you think otherwise?
And (2) He seems to me to be directing this message to the “parishes within his Dioceses”, so that shouldn’t affect non-“believers”, should it?
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paul / January 24, 2013
I believe he has very clearly stated the truth. Democracy has been hijacked by the present regime and ‘might is right’ is now the name of the game!
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Davina / January 23, 2013
The world is a changing place sadly, most of these changes are not for the better.
Religion had a place in global society which helped to hold up moral standards and principles of living based on religious teaching. Some religions are being excluded now, as their teaching does not conform to modern living. Some have been watered down. Some have been injected with new extreme thinking.
True religion chooses to make a positive difference – not just for people of the same faith but for all.
Christianity is one such. Unfortunately this is often misinterpreted as a way of ‘adding to the fold’. The Christian faith is not a religion but a relationship with a Sovereign God who transforms a persons life so that instead of trying to please God, it becomes the only reason for which one lives!
Give it a try… you might be surprised.
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Java Jones / January 24, 2013
Davina – If your response was to me – I was brought up a Christian (so did “give it a try”, as you suggest), but it doesn’t work for me. All ‘religions’, as far as I am concerned, are misused by their proponents and have little to do with the original teachings of the great men whose ideas gave birth to them.
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M Y Foote / January 25, 2013
Sammuel J said ” Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel”. Pity he didn’t say something equally pithy about religious bigots as well!
My two cents worth on religion? Since it is a personal choice, please keep it to yourself
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M Y Foote / January 25, 2013
Sorry Java, the message was meant for Davina
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Peter / January 25, 2013
M Y Foote – I must confess I was confused for a moment.
Cheers!
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Dav / January 29, 2013
Ah! My response was quite clearly to what ‘Justice’ had to say. Clearly you put ‘your foot’ right in it.
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manel fonseka / January 23, 2013
It takes a brave man, even if he is a Bishop, to come out so critically at times like this. We might remember other men of the cloth who took public stands and counselled their congregations in similar critical periods. Bishop Lakshman Wickremasinghe (Anglican), Rev. Soma Perera (then the head of the Methodist church?, and the clergy (Buddhist and Christian at least) who spoke out as Pavidi Handa, came out strongly against the referendum proposal of 1982. The then heads of the Roman Catholic Church however refrained from offering guidance to their flock. They did not even suggest the democratic option proposed by the opponents of the referendum: Vote for the POT (i.e. against the Referndum proposal to extend the present parlimant for another 6 years–I write that in case there are readers of CT who have no idea what happened in 1982) on 22 December, and for your party at a due general election.” i.e. Dont deprive people of their right to vote against bad MPs in a general election. The catholic princes instead said that their Church was above politics! It could not venture into that realm. their actual statement is on record.
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roman catholic / January 23, 2013
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith- where art thou?
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Leon / January 23, 2013
He is arranging an audience with the Pope for Gota
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Mark / January 23, 2013
I dare say the pope might grant his request. After all the pope did see his brother. Spineless and shameful is the catholic hierarchy of Sri Lanka.
The Bishop of Colombo is not only doing what is expected of him as a vicar of Christ he has done what very few religious leaders would dare.
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Jayantha / January 27, 2013
Please read following web to see What Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith , Govt. representatives and the Army did when Cardinal visited visited Mullikulam.
http://groundviews.org/2013/01/24/sri-lanka-navy-vs-the-people-of-mullikulam/
Hitler at our door step and everybody is sleeping.
What happened to tamils in Mullikulam then is happening to us in Colombo now.
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bodu bala senaka / January 23, 2013
Preachers should preach religion and leave politicks to the dirty kudu types. When preachers turn to politikking then the signs of the world ending is near. So, dear Bishop, get back to your pulpit and do your job properly.
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duminda / January 23, 2013
He is not doing politics. He is standing by what is right. When CJ was standing for justice, she was doing politics. Anyway is politics only for scumbags like you.
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Wambeck / January 24, 2013
Duminda you sound like a humbug or a gembek.
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AG / January 23, 2013
Thank you BBS for saying to go do his job… The Christian gospel is very relevant to politics, so the bishop has done his job properly.
And sadly its your way of thinking that ends up leaving the country to the unjust.
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Dave / January 23, 2013
There is a difference in the Bishop sharing his concerns and leaders of another faiths who set fire in people’s minds against humansome kind. Check out some of those attired in yellow robes…
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Kalu Nangi / January 23, 2013
Why are you politicking waving religion as part of your name tag? Go call yourselves the “Medamulana Thuggery Force” for what you really stand for. Don’t try to trick the masses with false patriotism. War is over. Tamils were massacred. Now don’t try to kill and suppress the Sinhalese.
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Raymond Fernando / January 25, 2013
Amen. You tell the truth. Don’t worry the truth will prevail.
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Silva / January 23, 2013
badu bana senaka
Why don’t you go and give this advice to the Buddu Maha Sangha. All the Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka are politicians (doing dirty politics). Go and tell them to preach Buddu Bana in the temples instead doing politics.
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Vipula / January 24, 2013
Don’t you think then this apply to the Buddhist clergy as well??, as someone said all this will be tuned it a religious/ race issue now
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Jayantha / January 25, 2013
bbs,
Who is preaching in TV starting from early morning and ending late night……preaching citizens to lead good life, to be truthfull, justice, and Dasa Sil etc..etc.. and against Thieves, thugs, drug addicts, rapists etc.
While some VVIP crooks use Buddhism as a political weapon both to win masses and to supress opponents……… while doing all the injust to public and society.
What can you expect from a leader who even robbed the money donated to poor people after Tsunami…..and now give millions to build Pansalas, Buddha statutes, Danas, luxury cars, air tickets and pilgrimages, etc.
Therefore unless we talk and fight for justice now, it will be us that will be targetted next.
Act now is better than repent later.
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Raymond Fernando / January 25, 2013
What the Bishop is trying to do is to save the country from infidels. There should be some resistence to corruption. What is maha sanga doing to look after the people and the country. Hats off to the Bishop who is a hero. All other leaders should follow his foot steps and save the country.Bishop is not doing politics but he is trying to protest against corruption,nepotism and thugery.
Let’s work together without petty differences and save “Mother Lanka”.
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shehan / February 8, 2013
“bodu bala sena” – do you know what it means? First go and speak your words to those monks of yours in parliament. The Bishop is talking about
“democracy”, which you clearly cannot comprehend, probably because you are so used to being a spineless brainwashed chauvinistic PUPPET. Our people will never come together as a nation as long as long as opportunistic separatist hypocrites like yourself dwell amongst this once great nation. All over the world religion may not be practiced properly. But that is not the fault of the teachings of that religion. It is the fault of the politicized religious leaders. The Lord Buddha never taught you to own a country in the name of Buddhism did he? So then what is this Sinhalese Buddhist state which you speak of. Does the Lord Buddha approve of that?
refer:
[EDited out]
“The Malaise of Materialism
Materialism leads to a rejection of spirituality, both in terms of declining religious belief, and also in the arts where the cult of ugliness, with its obsessions with the sordid and brutalistic, functions to reduce humans to biological automata.
Of course all religions reject materialism as an article of faith, but none apart from Buddhism attempts to offer any rational philosophical refutation of the materialist worldview.”
So Mr.Budu Bala, now go become a true Buddhist….
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E. Shanthini / January 23, 2013
Bodu Bala Senaka
How skillfully You shame the tenets of the Buddha!. Have you not seen heard..or could you not remember how many times the Maha Sanga make statements, advise and exhort the nations leaders reminding them of what values a Dharmishta society should live by? Even the Mahanayakes have spoken out many times (But ofcourse your caliber of person would not know or care!)
At least this Bishop isnt getting on the streets with sticks and stones like some of our sanga have been seen to do on numerous occasions, but he is asking ( if I understand right) that his people think about and silently grieve and pray for the country and for justice. Justice is a value of a Dharmishta society man or is that also news to you?
I salute this religious leader for his courage! I think the Maha Sanga should also follow his example if they havent already and advise/exhort /encourage national leaders and the people of our land to live by true Buddhist principles.. If they had done that effectively, this Christian priest would not have needed to do it in the first place. If this isnt a religious duty what is? The brilliant Saying ” Udabalaagena kela gahannawa wage” (Like looking up and spitting..) was surely written for people like you Bodu Bala Senaka. Your ignorance of both the Buddhist and Christian values only demonstrates your poverty of thought and values. I only wish you hadn’t insulted the Sasane by calling your self “Bodu Bala”!!
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Eve / January 23, 2013
K.A Sumanasekera
Have you noticed how nobody bothers with your entries anymore? They know better now. Not that am surprised but..in pity for you I ask, Dont you get the message? what a waste of your skill and time and waste of this forum space.
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K.A Sumanasekera / January 23, 2013
Eve,
It is a surprise that you can’t pick the real McCoy!.
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Saman Wijesiri / January 23, 2013
Look here, Modawansa, Patala and Gammanpila. Here is another traitor! Your Master wants you to give him a fitting reply. Call him an LTTE agent and a spy in the pay of the international conspirators against our motherland!
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Kshama Ranawana / January 23, 2013
Amen.
Once again, the head of the Anglican Church has shown true courage, just like his predecessor.
I trust Mohan Peiries, supposedly a decout catholic reads this and takes note.
More so, I except Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith reads this and remembers that a christian is identified by true commitment to justice and peace. That they have the courage to speak up and stand up against any injustices.
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robert / January 23, 2013
Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith is in the pocket of the Medamulana clan !Doubt he will show leadership at this hour of need.
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Dave / January 23, 2013
Not just them, if Shiro Rajapakse knows any better, she would too. I certainly would’ve been fearful of a Supreme God, if I was Pilates wife…
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ven showbitter thero / January 23, 2013
The bishop is trying to stir trouble. He should be defrocked and impeached.
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monkey / January 23, 2013
Rev Bishop if you are so fair minded why don’t you ask your Mannar Bishops to let the Northern Mannar Muslims and the Sinhalese who were booted out of the North and is still languishing in refugee camps for twenty years to let them return to Mannar? As the Bible says before pointing at the speck in your neighbour’s eye please remove the log from your own eye. I bet you anything that the Bishops do not want the Muslims and Sinhalese back in the north. Like I said, if you want justice and fair play start here and show you really mean justice and fair play.
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K.A Sumanasekera / January 23, 2013
Christians all over the World “Lament” on Good Friday.
Is the Bishpo’s pick of the date ,deliberate or coincidental?.
Prior to this date in 48, British, used to dispense justice to our inhabitants,with selected bits picked from the Kings Rule Book..
That Of course after a prayer at St Paul’s Milagiriya.
90 percent of our inhabitants who were illiterate poor Sinhala Buddhists didn’t know what was going on anyway.
This invite disproves all the rubbish allegation about Srilanka being a Sinhala Buddhist Racist Dictatorshhip.
Does the West this Bishop is aligned with atleast on religion allow these “laments’ to be conducted by other religions like the Muslims?.
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Danny / February 3, 2013
“Does the West this Bishop is aligned with at least on religion allow these “laments’ to be conducted by other religions like the Muslims?.”
Christianity was not founded in the west.
It has its foundation in the middle east. Jesus was born in Bethlehem and the church had it early days in Jerusalem.
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Aney Apochchi! / February 7, 2013
K.A. Sumanasekera:
Oh! b…r off and spout your rubbish at some other dansela!
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Rev.Devil / January 23, 2013
Cardinal Malcom Ranjith says,”To light one candle to God and another to the Devil is the principle of wisdom”.
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Jayantha / January 25, 2013
Oh. my God,
My pocket is small….but the crooks are many.
Please help me to understand who are these crooks…..as they pretend to be lamb….but are real foxes.
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derralle / January 23, 2013
Dear Rt. Revd Dhiloraj Canagasabey,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your country. May God be with you and your leaders.
A friend from Germany
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Senguttuvan / January 23, 2013
If Bishop Canagasabey tries to do a Cardinal Sin here he might run the risk of the fate of that super-hero Sarath F – or worse. There is now an imminent battle between the cranks of the JHU and the new extremist outfit Budu Bala Sena – probably formed on the erroneous inspiration from that extortionist-bigot Bal Thackeray of Shiv Sena in Maharasthra. Very soon JHU and BBS will, inevitably, clash for the spoils and the contest will be as to which of the two is the more chauvinistic. In that unfortunate scenario what happened to those Christian/Catholic upper tier priests in Pakistan could well be the fate that Bishop C may have to contend with. If State-sponsored goons, armed with poles and rods plus a parcel of rice/pint of arrack, under the very nose of the Police/STF, turn up by the hundreds against a Buddhist woman the fate of an infidel Bishop cannot be one that can be described as safe.
Senguttuvan
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K.A Sumanasekera / January 24, 2013
Mr Sengutuan don’t put your money on a “fistcuff” between your enemies.JHU and BB.
It is more like a stoush between Anglicans and Catholics ,including barbs fired at the Cardinal,
The combined mission of the JHU & BB is to prevent the Diaspora heavies and their Western buddies getting free real estate in Killinochchi to build HQ for the TGTE and hoist the LTTE flag.
Unlike the old days,, Srilankan Catholics are the majority and are mostly poor Sinhala ,rural and semi urban inhabitants living in the Bible Belt from Wattala to Halawatha.
The hierarchy nowadays are also well educated Sinhalese, who value their culture and customs , unlike in the past when the Christians were made in to kalu suddas.
Anglicans on the other hand have been traditionally well off and mostly decendants of people who served their British Masters.
That is why the Anglican Church has become the Church of the Elite ,mostly the Colombo Elite and Tamils.
Therefore it is not a surprise that they have an inherant bias against the current Regime.
The Bishop’s write up here reflects that bias.
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Native Vedda / January 24, 2013
K.A Sumanasekera
“The combined mission of the JHU & BB is to prevent the Diaspora heavies and their Western buddies getting free real estate in Killinochchi to build HQ for the TGTE and hoist the LTTE flag.”
Surely Tamil and Sinhala Kallathonies are already enjoying free real estate which once belonged to my ancestors.
Does it matter to us who grabbed my ancestral land? We lost our island to migrants.
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K.A Sumanasekera / January 24, 2013
Native,
Didn’t Thisahamy Jr envjoy a three course meal (or is it Buffet) at the Temple Trees recently?
Wonder how often Harper shouts dinner for Indian and Inuit Chiefs?.
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Native Vedda / January 25, 2013
K.A Sumanasekera
“Didn’t Thisahamy Jr envjoy a three course meal (or is it Buffet) at the Temple Trees recently?”
I haven’t spoken to him lately hence I would not know the purpose of his visit.
As you would not have known him for his expertise in treating poisons resulting from snakebites. Perhaps the first lady was bitten by her husband hence Tissa Junior was invited to administer anti snake venom serum on her husband.
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Aney Apochchi! / February 7, 2013
K. A. Sumanasekera:
You are now an expert on the aboriginal people of Canada, it seems!
When did you last even see what you would call a RED Indian! Your posturing idiocies truly know no limit!
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Peter / January 24, 2013
KASumanasekera – you say “Therefore it is not a surprise that they have an inherant bias against the current Regime.The Bishop’s write up here reflects that bias.”
Maybe you’re seeing something I don’t, but what I understood the Bishop to say was that he was lamenting the present state of affairs in the country – just like many of us who do not happen to be Anglicans.
How come you always turn your comments to “reflect” YOUR biases by bringing in ‘ethnic’ and ‘religious’ sentiments instead of sticking to the content of the posts in question? What’s the agenda – other than defending the regime???
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K.A Sumanasekera / January 24, 2013
Peter, I only defend the freedom, and peaceful environment that the great majority enjoy and the Economic progress which is in place to bring this beautuful country to a level where the poor will have at least one fifth of what the rich enjoy now .
To quantity ,the former is over 75% percent of the inhabitant population and it will top 90 % if the other ethnics are included.
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Peter / January 25, 2013
KASumane – I commend your defense of ‘freedom and peaceful environment’ – more power to you on that score. What are your views on Nepotism, Corruption and disregard of the Rule of Law? And why do you invariably refer to the ‘ethnic’ and ‘religious’ aspects (even when they are irrelevant to the discussion) in your comments?
And then you say “…to a level where the poor will have at least one fifth of what the rich enjoy now .To quantity ,the former is over 75% percent of the inhabitant population …”, so what are your views on the sudden accumulation of wealth of individuals in the regime?
Are you being ‘objective’ in your comments? Which is why I questioned your ‘agenda’.
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Jayantha / January 25, 2013
Bishop Canagasabay’s statement is not against any Religion or Race or Community.
It was purely MR over stepping his Boundaries using his power to intimidate opponents, depriving Justice, Liberty and Law of the country.
People waited patiently when he unjustly jailed Gen.Sarath Fonseka, while media was suppressed and reporters were killed and disappeared.
Also at the same time the most wanted Ciminals were languishing free.
Therefore this could be MARA’s waterloo and a game break..
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Aney Apochchi! / February 7, 2013
Peter:
You want to know what Sumansekera’s agenda is? Try, “Sycophancy as the new religion of Rajapakistan!”
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Percy Holdenbottle / January 23, 2013
Good to see the Anglican Bishop showing brave leadership to his flock
when so many others (in similar roles) are busy being acolytes
but when did he wake up to this realisation?
Sri Lanka hasn’t bothered with constitutional democracy for decades… Mrs B started the rot, JR made a mockery of constitutional democracy and the likes of Chandrika and Mahinda have only continued where their predecessors left off!
All this protest over the impeachment of a bootlicker who stopped licking, even only for a moment? Much ado about nothing, I say!
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Don Quixote / January 23, 2013
Your Lordship we salute you !
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Sunila Mendis / January 24, 2013
All this while the Buddhist clergy and it’s hierachy of four Sangha nayaka’s and specially Rev Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero advised the REGIMECHIEF against this unjust rule, and when Sarath Fonseka was jailed unustly the Mahanayakes of all the Chapters organised a pada yathra culminating ina SANGHA SAMMELANAYA.But they were issued death threats through the henchaiya priests of MR.To avert a blood bath bath Sanga Sammelanaya was cancelled.In this light individuals who defy the Regime remain vulnerable.The solution is for all Religious Leaders to come to a common platform and explain the gravity of the actions of the Govt. Organise religious gatherings in every temple to bring an end to the Dictatorial Regime.We salute the guts of Rev. bishop of Colombo for his action on the 3rd of February.The clergy is not as vulnerable as the lawyers and judges and other civil rights activists.
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Jayantha / January 25, 2013
Watch the latest news. Over 30 Free trade Zone factories Closed and 1500 lost jobs during last three months. The Korian owners ran away after borrowing over 800 million from banks…and without paying EPF,ETF.
The leading air line Gulf Air terminating landing at Katunayake from Feb 10 th. Economists say all because of Political Instability…..and loss of GSP.
Korians are moving to Bangladesh, thailand, and Burma….the new venues.
Just the Beginning…..More to come.
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Mahela / January 24, 2013
I an a Catholic. But I am surprised how our Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith keep silence and quiet when so much of unjust going in Sri Lanka.
First it was against Minority Tamil population and now spread to our own Sinhala Race by crook MARA.
We want Cardinal to keep his status aside and talk like Jesus did when he saw unjust done by Jewish and Roman rulers,law makers and hypocrits. Otherwise there is no point Preaching Religion when your own Brothers and Sisters are been intimidated,harassed, suppressed with unjust and false charges by a dictator.
I shall say If Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith stay cool when these are taking place, very soon the same force will come after you. Also Cardinal never bothered to speak when poor Nothern Tamil People were harassed by MARA.
What a hypocrit.That’s why many Catholics leave Catholic church and join other Christian Churches. I also herd that Rev. Malcolm Ranjith is a very good pal of MARA. We don’t mind whatever friendship he has provided MARA follow the LAW AND ORDER OF THE COUNTRY AND WHAT THE CONSTITUTION SAY.
What Does MARA has that we don’t have. Infact it is our tax money that he eats and drink…..Only thing he don’t have what even a Veddha has….and that is, that he don’t know his limits….by putting his head to everyone’s A..s. That’s the difference…..and you can’t help him since he is coming from the southern Most Tip where only Buffolows live near salt water.
Cardinal malcolm Ranjith should Know about Ten Commandements and should be able to tel Spade a Spade.
I shall thank with all my heart for Ret.Rev.Dhiloraj Canagasabey, the Bishop of Colombo for standing by the Weak, Poor and voiceless people.
[Edited out]
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Raja / January 24, 2013
The Christian church in Sri Lanka unfortunately lacks consistency. Malcolm Ranjith, Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, appears often in public events with the Rajapakse clan. The Pope meets with President Rajapakse when ever the latter is in Rome. The Roman Catholic church has more than 1.4 million members in Sri Lanka and many of its adherents are part of the Rajapakse administration, including the new Chief Justice.
We now have the Bishop of the Anglican Church in Ceylon calling for February 4 to be observed as a day of lament. The Anglican church just has 25,000 members or slightly more. Who is the voice of the church here?
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Sumudu / January 24, 2013
Our tri-nika Monks..learn from priests with back bone like this.
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Ayanthe / January 24, 2013
Taking a stand of this nature itself in this turbulent time needs appreciation. Hope many will respond with equal vigor and not isolate this kind of action.
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Patta Pal / January 24, 2013
In essence the Bishop is saying that
“the Executive and the Legislature disregarding the provisions of the very Constitution which they swore to uphold and defend, giving the appearance of a country ruled on the principle that ”Might is Right”.
If we agree that the Executive and Legislature have disregarded the provisions of the Constitution which the Judiciary has been tasked with interpreting, then we must make a personal decision of what we should do.
The bishop is asking his flock to wear mourning and pray to their god for justice or relief from the current injustice.
So let us all reflect on this anniversary 65 years since we were able to govern our destinies and from the bulging treasury we started with, we have now especially in the few years since Mahinda Rajapakse came into power every man woman and child owes Rs300,000 to foreigners.
Can we in this bankrupt nation honestly say that we are being led by selfless, heroes who only have the interests of our nation at heart? NO NO NO. They have proved that to be a lie.
So let us pray in our own religions on this commemoration day for guidance to make the right decisions to change from this status of ungodliness and depravity to one of higher station where we can hold our heads up as being proud citizens of a country which is united and optimistic.
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Patta Pal / January 24, 2013
As for the leader of the Catholic Church! He is conflicted himself, and how then can he make a courageous statement? He is trying to balance his words so as not to offend the first family. No wonder he has become dumb. That is his policy. He realizes that to tell the truth you have to offend the leader, so he keeps silent. That is how he balances his non-words!
A possible reason he holds his tongue is that the first lady is a Catholic and the children have all been baptized just for good measure.
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AMT / January 24, 2013
The President of the Methodist Church has NO GUTS and his labour is in vain?
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