Catholic Church questions independence day celebration plans

COLOMBO (News1st) - The Catholic Church questions how Sri Lanka can proudly celebrate its independence at a time when the country's economy and the rule of law is in disarray. 

 
At a media briefing in Colombo today, Media Spokesperson of the Catholic Church, Reverend Father Cyril Gamini stated, "We must question how independence day can be celebrated proudly at a cost of Rs.200 million in a country that is unable to meet its foreign debt obligations, a country that is bankrupt". He further explained the situation in the country, that "30% of the population is starving, 33.4% of children under 5 years are suffering from malnutrition, many people are being laid off, small and medium scale businesses are crashing, the rule of law has deteriorated severely,human rights are being violated without any remorse, laws including the PTA are being misused to suppress fundamentals rights of the people, electricity cannot be provided continuously even during the A/L exam period and the lives of patients are at risk due to medicine shortages".

Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini went on to express that it is a great waste and a crime to stage such a celebration at a time the country is bankrupt. "We vehemently oppose a celebration which the President considers should be held with much pomp and pageantry. On the cusp of the 75th anniversary of independence what should have been done was for all political parties that ruined the country's economy for 75 years accepting their flaws and apologizing to the people," he said. Rev. Cyril Gamini also stated  that everyone who squandered and stole the country's resources should have been brought before the law, regardless of social status and those funds should have been recovered. Elaborating on this further, he said, "Corrupt businessmen who have evaded taxes should have been identified and taxed. Even such action was taken, we could have found solace in the fact that, after 75 years we have taken the first step in creating a safe nation for all to live freely."

He emphasized the stance of the Catholic Church, stating that they oppose the independence day being celebrated grandly, and that no one representing the Catholic Church will attend it.