Rajapaksa ‘entitled to govern’: Lankan bishops pres

Published Date: February 17, 2010

Rajapaksa ‘entitled to govern’: Lankan bishops pres thumbnail

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been “duly elected and is entitled to govern”, Sri Lankan Bishops Conference President, Bishop Vianney Fernando has said, adding that the situation in the country is “not as alarming as some press reports say”.

The Church in Sri Lanka “which is acting in compliance with the institutions and has expressed its concern, is confident in the national legal system, without renouncing her prophetic role and proclaiming the values of peace and justice”, Bishop Fernando told Fides.

“The situation we are experiencing is not as alarming as some press reports say. It is mainly about respect for the law and democratic rules, which all citizens are required to follow,” Bishop Fernando told Fides with reference to the recent elections followed by the arrest of Opposition leader, General Sarath Fonseka.

“We believe that the President has been duly elected and is entitled to govern. The majority of citizens have cast a vote in his favor and, once the correctness of procedures and transparency of the electoral process are verified, everyone must accept the verdict of the elections.”

The tension “is now sporadic and protests have been mainly generated by the clamor and the manner in which Fonseka was taken into custody: he was a senior servant of the state for 40 years, and thus should have his rights and dignity respected”.

“We trust in the law and legal system in the nation,” remarked the Bishop, noting that President Rajapaksa has also assured that Fonseka may appeal to the Supreme Court against his arrest and all constitutional rights shall be guaranteed for him.

“As the Bishops’ Conference, it is essential that we maintain good relations with the democratically constituted authorities, at all levels, by promoting the values of peace and justice,” he said.

Meanwhile, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim religious leaders have expressed deep concern over the arrest of General Fonseka, UCA News says.

The Congress of Religions met the chief prelates of Sri Lanka’s two main Buddhist chapters among four in Kandy to discuss the situation yesterday.

“We are not happy with the manner of the arrest of General Fonseka who gave leadership in defeating the rebels and it disturbs all Sri Lankans,” the religious leaders said in their statement.

SOURCE

“The Church is concerned, but has confidence in the authorities and in justice,” President of the Bishops’ Conference tells Fides (Fides)

Religious leaders meet again over Fonseka (UCA News)

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