Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith of Colombo has called for principled and accountable political leadership in Sri Lanka, saying the country urgently needs leaders committed to justice, integrity, and the common good.
The cardinal made the remarks while presiding over a Thanksgiving Mass marking the 125th anniversary of Negombo Pitipana Maha Vidyalaya, a Catholic school administered by the Archdiocese of Colombo, on May 21 at Pitipana Kanikka Matha Church in Negombo, western Sri Lanka.
Priests, religious sisters, students, and lay faithful attended the celebration, including Fr. Gemunu Dias, General Manager of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Colombo; Fr. Joseph Indika, Administrative Secretary of the Archdiocese; and Fr. Anton Ranjith, parish priest of Pitipana.
Speaking during the event, Cardinal Ranjith expressed disappointment over the present political climate, criticizing politicians whom he said frequently mislead both the public and religious leaders while changing positions for personal advantage.
He said Sri Lanka requires leadership guided by moral principles and honesty, particularly at a time when public trust in institutions faces growing challenges.
The cardinal also voiced concern over what he described as the deterioration of political culture through dishonesty, divisive rhetoric, and conduct that weakens social values. He encouraged younger generations to think critically and act responsibly for the future of the country.
Emphasizing the importance of good governance, Cardinal Ranjith said national leaders must be able to distinguish clearly between right and wrong and act with integrity in public life. He also stressed that the judiciary should remain independent under every administration.
The cardinal further criticized attempts to use religion for political purposes, warning against exploiting faith communities for narrow interests. Political leaders, he said, should conduct themselves in ways that uphold public dignity and trust.
Following the Mass, anniversary celebrations continued with a prize-giving ceremony recognizing students for academic and extracurricular achievements.
Several priests who are alumni of Negombo Pitipana Maha Vidyalaya also joined the celebrations commemorating the Catholic school’s 125 years of educational service under the Archdiocese of Colombo.
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