MR critical of Mangala’s comments on Cardinal

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa flanked by MP Arundika Fernando and Sri Lanka Podu Peramuna Chairman G. L. Peiris 

– Pix by Lahiru Harshana

Accusing Minister Mangala Samaraweera of causing religious disharmony through his recent social media comments, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa called on the Government to issue a clarification. 

Rajapaksa, who was critical of the recent comments made by Samaraweera on twitter in response to a speech by Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, sought clarification of the Government’s position on the matter. 

“We would like to know if the statement made by Minister Mangala Samaraweera is the official Government position and policy. Minister Samaraweera is the Minister of Finance and Media, and as the Media Minister, we want to know if this is the official position,” he said. 

Minister Samaraweera commented on a speech made by Archbishop of Colombo during the service of St. Matthew’s Roman Catholic Church in Ekala on 23 September. The Minister was critical of the Cardinal’s position on the concept of human rights held by western nations. 

“Minister Samaraweera’s tweet has hurt the feelings of the Catholic community as well as other communities.  The Archbishop of Colombo made that speech during service, therefore, we cannot accept such a comment from a Minister like Samaraweera,” he added.

The former President further said that the Joint Opposition condemns the comment of the Minister of Finance and Mass Media. 

He also said that if Minister Samaraweera expressed his personal opinion, either the President or Prime Minister should clarify the statement.  He pointed out that commenting on speeches of religious leaders needs to stop to prevent unfortunate consequences in the future.

Speaking on the alleged plot to assassinate President Maithripala Sirisena, his brother and former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, and himself, he said the revelations were a matter of grave concern.  

“What was revealed during the questioning is a very serious matter. Similar incidents were revealed earlier but none of them were reported to me nor any other party under orders from higher levels,” he added.

He went on to say the Government has not officially conveyed any of the information relevant to his safety. “The Assistant Superintendent of Police in charge of my safety was debriefed on the situation,” he said.