Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith calls on Sri Lankans to protect their heritage and cautions against succumbing to foreign ideologies.

“Sri Lanka should not become subservient to the conditions imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and foreign nations; such dependency undermines the country’s self-respect,” said the Colombo Archbishop, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

He made these remarks while presiding a Thanksgiving service held at the Chapel of the Archbishop’s House in Colombo yesterday, 09, to mark the 20th anniversary of TV Derana.

The Thanksgiving service, held under the patronage of the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, was attended by the Founder of TV Derana Media Network, Parliamentarian and entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera, Deputy Chairman Laksiri Wickremage, Executive Director/COO Madhawa Madawala, members of the Board of Directors, senior management, and staff of TV Derana.

While delivering the homily, Cardinal Ranjith stated, “Thank God for the service rendered to the nation of Sri Lanka through this media network.” We also wish to express our respect and admiration to its founder, Mr. Dilith Jayaweera, and the network’s leadership.”

And Cardinal Ranjith pointed out that many of the things considered moral and civilized today should be regarded as elements that have been part of the country’s heritage.

Therefore, he emphasized that this culture and civilization must go hand in hand with the concept of progress. He added that people must learn to choose what is good from external cultures and civilizations that they have not inherited and that they must mature in doing so.

With a heritage that has existed for about 2,600 to 2,700 years, he said that Sri Lankans can discern whether influences from abroad are good or bad, and that it is not necessary to accept everything that comes from outside.

He further noted that progress is not the same for everyone.

The Cardinal stated that “true progress does not lie in imitating others. If there are alternative paths to national advancement based on what is suitable for the country, it is the collective responsibility of all citizens to recognize and implement them,” he emphasized.

The Cardinal further observed that this duty should not rest solely with the political leadership but with the entire nation.

He remarked that as citizens who love their country, it would be a sign of diminished self-respect to disregard Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and adopt the mindset of those subservient to foreign influences. He added that the people of Sri Lanka also possess dignity and self-respect.

“As far as I know today, if we take five families, at least two of them can be described as families who struggle to earn a daily wage. Due to the harsh living conditions in the country and the current economic difficulties, keeping a family alive for a month has become a serious challenge,” he said

“Therefore, it is wrong for us to deliberately betray our country’s culture on the one hand, become slaves to other nations, follow their dictates, and erase our country’s heritage. Especially, our young generation must act wisely at this time. Parents, as adults, should also reflect on what we are passing on to our children,” Cardinal Ranjith said.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith urged the public to carefully discern what is right and wrong and called on the media, particularly the Derana Media Network, to guide people toward the right path and help build a morally strong society.