‘In 2023 let us build a new Sri Lanka’

With these words the bishop exhorted the faithful in a video on the occasion of the New Year. Despite the economic difficulties, the country should receive more love this year, the 75th anniversary of its independence.

Colombo () – “This year we must build a new Sri Lanka by uniting with our brothers and sisters. Although 75 years have passed since the country’s independence, today Sri Lankans have become slaves of the world,” said the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, in a video message addressed to the Christian community at the beginning of the new year.

“Sri Lanka risks economic degradation if the current situation continues. But I believe that, with an intelligent and fair attitude, we must not allow the country to be destroyed,” the cardinal urged. “In this new year, let us make the decision to work together, with courage and selflessness, to recover from this great destruction.”

Although the lives of many people have become hopeless due to difficult economic conditions, Card. Ranjith explained that 2023 should be a year to love Sri Lanka: “In terms of progress, it is not where it should be. Many countries that became independent that same year are far ahead,” the prelate continued. “Due to reckless decisions and intransigent attitudes, today we are seen as one of the poorest countries in the Asian region,” he added, recalling that “poverty is not only external, but also internal.”