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Catholic Bishops pray poll would be free and non-violent
View(s):In a statement on the upcoming Presidential election, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka said it is their utmost hope and prayer that 
the poll would be free, fair and absolutely violence-free and that “it would open the nation to paths of greater freedom and prosperity maintaining sound economic, moral and cultural principles that are so precious to our people.”
The statement also urged that since the visit of the Holy Father Pope Francis is to take place soon after the elections, those responsible should ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the Papal visit so that the spiritual programme which had been planned out could be carried out undisturbed and that there should be no politicisation of the Papal visit.
In the statement, the Bishop’s Conference reiterated that it is the inalienable right of every citizen to cast his/her vote without fear or favour, respecting the right of every citizen to do so. “The Church has always upheld the need to respect the right and duty to use each one’s vote to further the common good.” It urged all Catholics and citizens to exercise their sacred and democratic right to cast their vote at the forthcoming election.
“After the election it is important that the winner and loser accept the decision of the people thus showing adherence to the verdict of the people and extend the hand of friendship to each other and work together for the good of the country,” the statement said.