Religion should never succumb to politics: His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith

COLOMBO (News 1st); If religion ever succumbs to politics, then that is a betrayal of religion, says the Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.

Speaking during the 125th Jubilee Feast at the Sacred Heart Church in Bollatha on Sunday (12), the Archbishop of Colombo emphasized that religious leadership should always be independent and religious principles should not be thrown away by succumbing to politics.

Pointing out that is is unwise for the clergy of the country to be sitting with political parties today, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith stated that religious leaders cannot be leaders of political parties, and in fact, should stay away from politics completely.

Speaking further, the Archbishop of Colombo also stated that religious leaders should not bow down to the leaders of political parties for enjoyment of any available profit as it is a betrayal of their own religion in front of the society.

"Political leaders are not above religion. If political leaders use religious leaders to strengthen their own political power, it is a great insult to that religion," he stated.

I am a religious leader, and I should be ashamed if I betray my independence for political gain and profit, the Archbishop of Colombo mentioned. 

Moreover, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith pointed out that the people of Sri Lanka have become helpless today, and feel as if they have been abandoned by their religious as well as political leaders.

Emphasizing that this country is a religious country which was nourished by the Buddhist culture, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said that all must work together to keep the that Dhamma alive in this country in accordance with lord Buddha's religious teachings.

"As believers in any religion, we must be committed to upholding these religious principles," he stated.

Moreover, citing several newspaper reports of Ministry of Tourism approving certain hotels and restaurants to sell liquor, the Archbishop of Colombo questioned whether the Government wants people to get drunk during Christmas.

" What is this? This is the wonder of Asia. Is this the vision of prosperity? Christmas has been degraded down to this level. Isn't the Minister in charge of the Ministry of Tourism from this area? He needs to understand that. Profit is not the only goal behind Christmas," he added.