Message from the Cardinal Ahead of the Presidential Election
To everyone participating in the upcoming presidential election, it is crucial to act swiftly and wisely. Do not be deceived by the empty promises made by leaders for the past 75 years, nor by the small incentives offered to alleviate the nation’s poverty. Instead, use your common sense to entrust the future of Sri Lanka to a leader who has a genuine plan to develop the country using its resources and offers real solutions to poverty. The Cardinal urged the people to unite in this effort.
He also highlighted that by electing leaders who undermine the law and sell the country’s resources to foreign interests, we are essentially strangling ourselves. The Cardinal stressed that regardless of which government comes to power, the investigations related to the Easter attack must be conducted fairly.
These remarks were made during the blessing service held yesterday (25th) in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the coronation of Our Lady of Sri Lanka and the golden anniversary of the opening and dedication of the Basilica Church.
The Cardinal further added:
“Dear brothers and sisters, we are approaching a critical moment in Sri Lanka. I don’t need to specify what it is. Soon, we will be voting to elect a new President for Sri Lanka.
At this moment, I make a special appeal to all Sri Lankans: Please stay vigilant. For 75 years, our leaders have been accustomed to making various promises and spreading lies for their benefit.
We cannot continue down this path. We cannot be deceived any longer. We must use our intellect to express our will—not for the small gifts we receive, but for the greater good of our country. The primary issue our country faces today is poverty. Many in Sri Lanka are unable to survive on their monthly wages. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this affects about 60% of the population. The situation has become so dire that people can hardly make a living.
There must be a fair system in place that distributes the country’s resources equitably among the people without further complicating an already difficult situation. Progress does not mean creating a society where wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few while the majority live in poverty and hunger.
Therefore, we must not choose leaders who are solely focused on improving their own lives or bowing to the pressures of foreign powers. We need to elect a team that will work to develop our country using its resources.
We must protect our national identity and strengthen our country’s freedom. We must work to eliminate poverty, develop our resources, advance the country, and promote democracy.
We need leadership that respects the independence of the judiciary. If we vote for leaders who act against court rulings or attempt to nullify them, we are only harming ourselves.
At this critical time, we need to think fairly about our country and its freedom. We must strive to create genuine democratic leadership—not just in words but in action. This is the responsibility of all citizens.
I also want to remind everyone that the Easter attack has not yet been thoroughly investigated. A proper investigation must be conducted, regardless of which government is in power. We need to know who was truly behind the Easter attack, and who orchestrated it—not just what is visible on the surface, but the deeper truths. This is our right, and we must keep it in mind.
We thank God for the strength and courage we have received to protect our beautiful country. Let us continue to pray to the Lord to increase this strength and courage. Let us also pray to the Mother of God, who watches over our country. I urge everyone to pray especially for our nation, reciting the rosary in our homes each evening.”
