The Sri Lankan government has unveiled a postal stamp honouring Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith for his contributions to the state and society on the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination. Source: UCA News.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya joined for the stamp release on July 7, together with several political leaders, Buddhist monks, Christian clerics and diplomatic corps in the national capital, Colombo.
Mr Dissanayake referred to Cardinal Ranjith as “a beacon of integrity” amid a decline in society’s moral and religious foundations.
“None of us can be satisfied with the condition of Sri Lankan society today, for the fundamental relationship among parents and children, teachers and students, and clergy and laity has broken down and lost its meaning,” Mr Dissanayake said.
He said that society needs great personalities like Cardinal Ranjith, who is “an icon of renewal and hope, to inject new life and spirituality into our social fabric.”
President Dissanayake said Cardinal Ranjith has carried out a painful and challenging task to allow the healing of society.
The cardinal continues to raise his voice consistently “about the obligations we have before the people, reminding us to act with integrity and commitment,” he added.
Mr Dissanayake also pledged to deliver justice for the deadly Easter Sunday attacks of 2019.
During the ceremony on July 7, Cardinal Ranjith called on the government to investigate the Easter Sunday attack to reveal the truth and bring justice.
He also urged Mr Dissanayake to alleviate the suffering of people amid ongoing economic hardships and the tough austerity measures advised by global financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Don’t listen to the IMF and other global institutions’ sermons. Instead, try to reduce the cost of living and alleviate people’s sufferings,” Cardinal Ranjith said.
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Sri Lankan cardinal honored for national contributions (UCA News)
