Colombo (AsiaNews) - The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka is opposed to building a casino
complex in the village of Katana (Western Province). With an official statement, Card.
Malcolm
Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo and President of the Episcopal Conference,
expressed " the firmest protest and condemnation of this move, [made]
to sell the cultural and spiritual dignity of Sri Lanka for economic purposes."
The
government of President Rajapaksa has decided to turn the Katana area into "Sanwardhana Watta", a luxury tourist hub. Taking
advantage of the proximity of the village to the international airport in Katunayake, in the area will be home to five-star hotel, and casinos.
According to Card. Ranjith,
"this move will threaten the traditional spiritual values of our
motherland. This land, which feeds most of the great religious traditions of
the world, is not for sale. And I ask those who love our country to protect it
and to oppose this project. Yes to
development, but not at the cost of our dignity".