By Maheen Senanayake
A spokesman from Archbishop’s House yesterday declined comment on allegations on the Internet that Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith had been obligated to President Mahinda Rajapaksa by an alleged diplomatic appointment to his niece and an appointment in the presidential secretariat of another close relative.
Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, Director, National Catholic Center for Social Communications and Media Spokesperson to the Catholic Church said "I cannot comment on this because it relates to a personal matter concerning the Cardinal." He added: "You really shouldn’t give publicity to these things."
A group of persons who did not reveal their identities but signed off as "Concerned Catholics" writing to the newspapers asked whether the Internet reports were correct and called for the publication of their `open letter’ on the subject in the press.
Asked whether any relationships between the two named individuals and the Cardinal could be confirmed, Fr. Gamini said "I cannot comment on this, this is a personal matter concerning the cardinal."
"There are so many allegations against the president but do you question each of those?", the well composed priest asked. "You must ask the cardinal. You can make a request to his secretary and if the cardinal feels this is worthy he will give you an appointment."
Neither the cardinal nor his secretary was reachable yesterday.
Meanwhile pictures of President Mahinda Rajapaksa receiving the blessing at Madhu shrine on Friday, made the front page with Rt. Rev Rayappu Joseph , Bishop of Mannar, receiving him. Ironically, national media supporting the president’s campaign have been labeling Bishop Joseph a Tiger sympathizer and supporter of the common opposition candidate.
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