Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Kotte Chief Prelate calls for unity among political parties

Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith today addressing a gathering called for unity among all political parties.

Addressing the gathering along with Cardinal Malcom Ranjith was the Chief Prelate of Kotte Sri Kalayani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of Siyam Maha Nikaya, Ven. Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara Maha Nayake Maha Thero. The thero urged the government to unite and resolve the issues which have arisen in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday carnage.

"The people have given a chance for the government to act and take action against the perpetrators of these heinous crimes" Ven. Dr Ittapana Dhammalankara Thero said while lamenting over the delayed process of the government in doing so.

He emphasised that this issue must be looked at a broader perspective instead of using it to gaining political mileage for oneself or for one's party.

Meanwhile, the Cardinal while expressing his remarks at the press conference noted that some political elements were utlilising the recent tragic incidents to score points and maximise their political benefit.

"Politicians must stop finding fault with each other and instead unite to find a solution to this prevailing issue in the country. Lawmakers must convene and decide on a common policy framework especially for security," Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said.

He also observed that it was unclear as to whether the President's committee which was appointed to probe the deadly explosions had convened and compiled a report to this effect.

While reiterating that the law must be enforced to its fullest extent against those involed in the attacks irrespective of their social strata, the Cardinal insisted that the suspects must be subjected to a thorough investigation and their passports be impounded.

"The process of drafting a news set of laws is time consuming. If the laws are insufficient, the Parliament can pass a few amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act in order to take action against the criminals," he pointed out.

The Archbishop of Colombo also said that religious leaders would be forced to come together and take up the issue  if the government did not stop its blame-game and take action in this regard.