BY Buddhika Samaraweera
The Catholic church announced yesterday (3) that Colombo Archbishop His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has decided not to participate in the national Independence Day celebrations to be held today (4), following the alleged harassment of innocent parties in connection with a hand grenade being found placed at the All Saints’ Church in Borella.
Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday, National Catholic Social Communication Centre Director Rev. Cyril Gamini Fernando said that the Archbishop has also decided not to hold the special service at the All Saints’ Church in Borella, which is usually held on Independence Day.
He said that Archbishop Ranjith had made the said decision in the wake of the incident where a hand grenade was found in the All Saints’ Church in Borella on 11 January.
Two of the three employees of the said church who were arrested in connection with the incident were released on 2 February, but the church’s sacristan Francis Munindran is still in custody. A worshipper was also similarly released by the court.
“We know that the Archbishop used to hold a special service on Independence Day, which is a nationally important service. It was often held at the All Saints’ Church in Borella. But he has decided not to hold it this time in a situation where innocents are being harassed over the incident and everyone is saddened by the incident,” he said.
Speaking further, Fernando added: “The Archbishop has also decided not to attend the national Independence Day celebrations. However, he has issued an Independence Day message.”
He also said that although the service at the All Saints’ Church will not be held, arrangements have been made to hold services in each church to commemorate Independence Day.
The 74th national Independence Day celebrations are to be held at the Independence Square in Colombo 7 today, with the participation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and several others.
Courtesy:The Morning