We condemn any attempt to tarnish the country's image abroad. This does not help bring relief to the Tamil people. Instead, the best assistance to them would be to help them get back on their feet instead of provoking them to be violent, stated His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.

He made this statement yesterday (6 Dec) at the State Ceremony at BMICH held to felicitate him on his elevation as Cardinal.

The best approach to solve problems is dialogue and cooperation instead of accusation and provocation, he said adding, the Catholic fraternity is with President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his efforts to remove mistrust between communities and unite all Sri Lanka with the elimination of terrorism.

Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith reiterated that the Catholic fraternity is against foreign forces that seek to create hostilities among Sri Lankan communities. He was of the view that the effective way to defeat pro-LTTE elements abroad is to set up civil administration in the North.

He added that Catholics are committed in the efforts to bring prosperity to the motherland by living in harmony with those of other faiths.

'Though a closest ally to His Holiness the Pope, I am a Sri Lankan', he said, stressing he loved his motherland than any other country. 'Therefore, we must be committed in bringing fame and honour to it. For this I am committed to work with other religious leaders'.

His Eminence said that he has received information of several misguided Catholic priests operating from foreign soil who are involved in futile attempts of dividing the country. His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith expressed regret over this situation.

'We recall with much appreciation how the President brought peace to our motherland defeating foreign forces that challenged his efforts. Now, the people are able to contribute to economic progress and able to travel anywhere in the country without problems. It is our duty to assist you in your efforts to bring prosperity to our motherland', Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said.

He also stressed the importance of having ethical and spiritual development in the country in line with the economic development adding that Western countries suffer from the ethical and spiritual deterioration though they have achieved economic progress.