Archbishop tells faithful:

Desist malpractices, violence

In a public statement on the General Election tomorrow, Colombo Archbishop Rt Rev Dr Malcolm Ranjith called upon the faithful to desist from malpractices, violence or interference with the law.

“We should be scrupulously fair and helpful in making this election trouble free and be in the forefront of ensuring peace and tranquillity which would enable the officials to do their duty in accordance with their conscience and the rule of law.

I appeal that very high ethical standards be maintained especially during the time between polling and the announcement of results. Transparency in this matter ensures credibility of the whole exercise and the legitimacy of those elected,” the Archbishop said.

“In an special appeal to those invested with the duty of organizing the elections, he prayed that they will fulfill their tasks maintaining their integrity and act with a sense of responsibility”.

“All of us need to support them and make their onerous tasks easy and free of constraint”.

“The persons we elect should be men and women of integrity, commitment to serve the country selflessly and those who uphold and practice democratic values,” he added. “They need to be accountable and transparent in the affairs that affect the masses. They should be persons who have a respect for diversity, whether it be in relation to gender, ethnicity, age or religion. National integration, equality and unity among all sections of our society should be the key objectives of any future government.”

“Ours is a multi-cultural society and our primary concern should be to ensure equality and the avoidance of discrimination in any form. Let us endeavour to see that people of all religions, ethnicity and viewpoints are represented in the legislative body that we elect, so that the whole country may support them and feel that it is safe in their hands. All social groups must feel that they are adequately looked after by those in power. In order to achieve that, a free, peaceful and fair election becomes a must.”

He also called upon the winners to extend a hand of friendship to the losers and the losers to be magnanimous enough to concede defeat and thereafter work together with the winners to make Sri Lanka a better place for all its citizens.