Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith alleged yesterday that it was not religious extremism which resulted in the Easter Sunday attacks but the work of certain groups who used religious extremism as a cover to strengthen their political power.
“Our brethren were not attacked by religious extremism, but it was done by those who used religious extremism as a cat’s paw to strengthen their political power. We don’t see a religious euphoria or a love for religion in this but an attempt by certain groups to strengthen their powers,” the Cardinal said while opening a memorial for nine terror attacks victims buried at the General Cemetery, Borella.
Nearly 250 were killed in the suicide bombs attacks. The Cardinal also participated in a similar ceremony at the Madampitiya cemetery where around 14 victims were buried.
The Cardinal did not give any indication who he was hinting at by the comments but appealed to all Sri Lankans not to use race, religion, or language to overpower others or use one’s strength to kill or harm opponents warning it will lead the country into a calamity.
(FT)