New Cardinal:

Prime Minister congratulates

Suraj A. Bandara

Prime Minister D M Jayaratna said he received with joy the good news of the elevation of Archbishop of Colombo the Most Reverend Dr. Malcolm Ranjith as Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI yesterday.

In his message the Premier further said the elevation of a Sri Lanka's Archbishop as Cardinal was a truly unique honour bestowed on the country and its people.

The Prime Minister said Most Rev. Dr. Malcolm Ranjith becomes the second Sri Lankan to be elevated as a Cardinal, the first being Thomas Benjamin Cooray, the Archbishop of Colombo who was elevated to Cardinalate in 1965. The Premier further said communities of all religious despite their religious differences would be delighted with the news of the elevation of the Most Reverend Dr. Malcolm Ranjith as Sri Lanka's second Cardinal.

When the Government is endevouring to create a multi-religious environment and harmony that would unite all communities, this appointment would help achieve the development goals of our country in every respects, the Premier said issuing a statement. The Prime Minister wished the new Cardinal Dr. Malcolm Ranjith to serve the world and its community for a long time with courage and dedication.