I wish to address this note to our Catholic Faithful and all the citizens of Sri Lanka at this moment when our beloved Motherland is facing an important election in choosing its President. This is the first major election we are having after the thirty year war and its unfortunate fallout and so it is time to move the country forward into an era of true peace and development. In this effort values and principles spelt out in the noble religious traditions of this country should be our strongest source of inspiration. Besides, all socio-economic and educational development should lead to the creation of a just and stable society. This, therefore, is a crucial moment for Sri Lanka.

Considering the above, I, as the Archbishop of Colombo, have the duty of reminding our faithful about their responsibility to vote. Abstaining from voting would be tantamount to a shirking of one's civic responsibility. The Second Vatican Council in its Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the modern world has this to say: " The Christian who shirks his temporal duties shirks his duties towards his neighbour, neglects God himself and endangers his eternal salvation" (GS 43).

Besides, one needs to discern carefully before the Lord as to how one is going to exercise this God - given responsibility of deciding who would lead this country into the future. We Catholics need to take into account the principles of faith which govern our way of thinking and our social responsibilities. Through the past years the Church has spelt out these principles especially through its social doctrine. Catholics should always strive to be conscious of the needs of justice, equality and a keen spirit of democracy and self discipline in any given social context in which they live, and so, in the present case of Sri Lanka.

In this matter the hierarchy gives only guidance and has no political role whatsoever and as the Archbishop of Colombo, I, do not wish to engage in any party politics and I do respect fully the freedom of the Catholic faithful to vote in whatever way their conscience guides them. In this light it is with regret that I note how certain statements of mine made in the past have been quoted out of context and made to appear as if I favour the one candidate against the other. I have no intention whatsoever of supporting any particular candidate but trust in the good judgment of our people.

Besides, I appeal to all the candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves in such a manner as to ensure a free and fair election, where the intelligence of the Sri Lankans is not belittled in any way and their free choice is respected. The candidates themselves should eschew violence, and encourage their supporters to engage in the campaigns devoid of hatred, mud slinging and unethical electoral practices. I call upon the candidates to also take a more proactive stance by explaining to the general public about their plans for this country especially on how they wish to find a lasting political solution to the North and East question, promote and strengthen democracy, freedom of expression and economic development while bridging the gap between the rich and the poor.

I appeal to all our Catholic faithful to pray for dear Mother Lanka and to help in whatever way they can to usher in a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after this election.

May God Bless you all,

+Malcolm Ranjith
Archbishop of Colombo

06th January 2010