His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, spoke out on the pressing issue of poverty in Sri Lanka, urging for compassion and action during the Christmas season.
In a heartfelt address, Cardinal Ranjith highlighted the plight of millions struggling to meet their basic needs. He cited alarming statistics, emphasizing that nearly 8 million Sri Lankans face daily food insecurity and countless others endure hardships like rising taxes, unemployment, and healthcare access limitations.
“The shattered dreams of our people,” Cardinal Ranjith proclaimed, “are compounded by the burden of debt, the anguish of sacrificing children’s needs for their own survival, and the sorrow of witnessing rampant corruption.”
He expressed dismay at Sri Lanka’s position among the world’s most corrupt nations and criticized the government’s perceived protection of those involved. “This Christmas,” the Cardinal asserted, “must be a turning point. Let us not be trapped by a system that exploits and disregards its own people.”
Instead of succumbing to despair, Cardinal Ranjith offered a message of hope and solidarity. He emphasized the universal call for compassion, regardless of faith. “This Christmas,” he declared, “let us transcend differences and extend a helping hand to those in need.”