Rulers thrive while people starve, says Cardinal

By Norman Palihawadane

Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith says that while people suffer by not being able to make ends meet due to the economic downfall, their so-called representatives look for all means to stabilize themselves by increasing their wealth and raising their insurance coverage.

Delivering the homily at the Festive high Mass at the Annual Feast of St Jude’s Shrine at Indigolla in Gampaha, the Cardinal said: “The government should know that people cannot be fooled any more by bringing forward amendments to the Constitution. The way the country is run has to be changed completely. If not, we cannot the save the nation from this grave crisis.”

He went on to say that the political leaders keep ignoring and overlooking the suffering of the people. “Not only have the rulers, but also some top officials seems not to care about the plight of people. A good number of them seem not to understand the difference between right and wrong,” the Cardinal said.

He said that there are no politicians who work with a conscience in this country. Corruption and lies impeded national progress and the conscience of the entire country was dead.

“Conscience is what shows us why we should do the right thing and love God and our neighbours, and why we should be heroes. Do we have a conscience today? Look at what is being spread in the media. There are murders, thefts, and corruption every day––only crimes.”

The Cardinal said that although Sri Lanka boasted of its religiosity, it was facing a severe moral decline.

“We used to say that we were a country with religious people. Religion has not been included in the Constitutions of other countries. But the religion of our country has become a part of the Constitution.

“Why has this situation come about? The reason is that not only the responsible people in our country but also most others act against their conscience. Many people do not know the difference between right and wrong. That’s why people are tempted to do wrong things in today’s society,” the prelate said.

The Vespers Service was held with the participation of Rt Rev Dr JD Anthony, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo as Chief Celebrant.The Festive High Mass officiated by Cardinal Ranjith was joined by a large number of priests including Missionary Regional Episcopal Vicar, Rev Fr Clement Damian Rozairo and Parish priest Gampaha Rev Fr Felix Shantha.