Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith criticises education reforms that strips parents of their rights

The present government is moving forward with education reforms that strips parents of their rights, according to Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith states.

The Archbishop also noted that various programs are being implemented in society at present which undermine married life.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith made these remarks while attending a ceremony held at the Church of St. Joseph in Hanwella.

Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith stated,

“Today, various programs are being implemented in society that undermine married life. One such issue is the sexual education curriculum recently prepared by our Ministry of Education. What exactly are they teaching our children through this? Starting from children as young as six years old and continuing until adulthood, this sexual education teaches various forms of deviant behavior, telling children that they can engage in these acts, that they are acceptable, and that there is nothing wrong with them. We see that the present government is promoting an education reform system that takes away this right from parents. This is something we cannot accept.”

“In Sri Lanka, we have a heritage culture, a civilization, and a set of values passed down to us. Especially through the religions we follow—Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity—there exists a framework of human and cultural principles shaped by these religious teachings. Regarding married life, children, raising children and sexuality, society has developed a set of ideals and moral guidelines.”

“However, if all of this is abandoned, and if we betray our own principles by bowing down to the money received from Western countries and adopting the various abnormalities seen there, it is unacceptable. No government has the right to govern this country if it interferes with the nation’s cultural heritage. This is something that must be clearly stated to all political leaders. Please do only what falls within your authority. Do not attempt to do what does not belong to you,” Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith noted.

The Archbishop of Colombo further stated that the incorrect ideas and attitudes imposed on us along with funds from the United Nations, its population control agencies, and other affiliated organizations are destroying our cultural and religious foundations. As a result, families are being destroyed, children are being turned against their parents, children are encouraged to disobey parents, and are allowed to do whatever they want.

“Within such systems, there must be respect for children as well. Children do have human rights—that is true. But turning children against their parents is not what human rights mean. What should exist between parents and children is a foundation of love,” Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith added further.