By Adolf
LNW has received several comments expressing displeasure over the conduct of Cardinal Ranjith over the last six months. In a nation still scarred by the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has positioned himself as the unyielding voice of justice at any cost. Yet beneath this righteous facade lies a troubling record of political entanglement, fiscal irresponsibility, and authoritarian overreach that demands scrutiny. It is time to ask an uncomfortable question: has Sri Lanka’s only Cardinal become more of a liability than a spiritual leader? Questions are also being raised about whether he was aware of an imminent attack and why he did not participate in Mass on Easter Sunday.
Justice or Vengeance?
The Cardinal’s crusade for justice in the Easter attacks is undeniably noble. He has consistently demanded accountability, rightly stating that “the chapter of the victims of the 2019 Easter attacks is still open.” However, his methods raise serious concerns. Former President Maithripala Sirisena has alleged that Ranjith is “keen to have him sent to the gallows.” While the Cardinal publicly claims to reject the death penalty, the optics of a religious leader aggressively pursuing capital punishment against political adversaries are deeply troubling. Justice and vengeance are not synonymous—especially within the Catholic Church, particularly when 75% of the country is Buddhist. Cardinal Ranjith must be reminded of JR Jayewardene’s most famous speech, his historic address at the San Francisco Peace Conference on September 6, 1951. Speaking as Ceylon’s (Sri Lanka’s) Finance Minister, he advocated for a free and sovereign Japan by famously quoting the Buddha: “Hatred ceases not by hatred, but by love.”
Political Manipulation
Even more alarming is the Cardinal’s relationship with state power. Reports indicate that Ranjith receives military protection “on a scale that far exceeds what is typically accorded to other religious leaders,” at enormous cost to struggling Sri Lankan taxpayers. While security concerns following the Easter attacks are legitimate, the lavish deployment of soldiers and vehicles raises questions about privilege and proportionality. The public deserves transparency on whether public resources are being abused “under the cover of religion.” The most disturbing allegations concern political interference. Opposition MPs have charged that Ranjith “has a say” in appointments to senior positions. The Church has dismissed these as a “smear campaign” by pro-Rajapaksa politicians, but the pattern is concerning. Similar allegations about influencing police reinstatements have also emerged. Where there is smoke, there is often fire.
The Papal Visit
The Cardinal’s handling of the proposed papal visit further underscores his consolidation of power. He has been the sole coordinator between Sri Lanka and the Vatican, effectively positioning himself as the gatekeeper to the Holy Father’s blessing. This concentration of diplomatic authority in one individual is unhealthy for both Church and State. Reports that Ranjith has already submitted his retirement letter upon reaching 75, yet remains in office awaiting Vatican approval, suggest an extended twilight that serves neither the Church nor the nation. Defending institutional interests should not mean shielding a leader from legitimate accountability.
A Call for New Leadership
Sri Lanka needs a spiritual leader who inspires unity, not division; who seeks justice through moral authority, not political leverage; who serves the faithful, not his own prominence. Cardinal Ranjith has done more damage than service to his country over the last five years by dabbling in politics. His continued tenure increasingly risks undermining the very causes he champions. For the good of the Catholic community and the nation, perhaps it is time for fresh leadership—leadership that can pursue justice without becoming entangled in the very political machinations it purports to condemn. Pope Leo must review these facts without becoming a distraction. The Vatican Embassy in Colombo appears to be entirely blind to what is unfolding in the country. The Cardinal should retire with dignity before his legacy is permanently tarnished by the weight of accumulated controversy.
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