by Melani Manel Perera

Voters will pick a new prime minister and parliament. Religious leaders call on them to choose candidates for their honesty and ability, not their political affiliation.

Colombo (AsiaNews) – The leaders of Sri Lanka’s religions have appealed to Sri Lankans to ensure the “victory of democracy” and “a better future for the new generations".

On 17 August, the country goes to the polls to elect a new parliament and prime minister. However, the candidacy of questionable characters, such as former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, prompted the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka (CBCSL), the Congress of Religions and other Christian and Buddhist organisations to mobilise and raise awareness.

"Loyalty to a party should not be the sole criterion for voting,” the CBCSL said in a statement released on 31 July and signed by Card Malcolm Ranjith and Mgr Valence Mendis, respectively CBCSL president and secretary general.

"Educational background, general culture, integrity and honesty, respect for law and order are qualities that should characterise those who aspire to political leadership," added the bishops.

For its part, Congress of Religions noted, "67 years have lapsed since Sri Lanka gained independence. Our motherland, which is full of natural resources, is being destroyed by corruption and fraud as well as alcohol, gambling and dangerous drugs. Law and order have not been properly maintained. We need a county that respects justice and the law.”

"Today we can experience a more peaceful pre-election atmosphere than in the past. We must thank the election Commissioner for this,” said Ven Ittapane Dhammalankara Thero, Buddhist monk member of the Congress of Religions.

However, “we too have a responsibility in maintaining this atmosphere, choosing honest candidates when we vote, because parliament is a sacred place, where only suitable and untainted people should go."

• sri
• lanka
• parliamentary
• election
• religious
• leaders
• honesty
• integrity