Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Colombo, Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, today said the Colombo Archdiocese was against capital punishment, responding to a recent remark linked to former State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena.
Addressing the media, Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando said recent reports claim that the Director of Mass Communications of the Catholic Church of Sri Lanka, Fr. Jude Krishantha, had stated that it was his opinion that SDIG Nilantha Jayawardene should be issued the death sentence.
Responding to the claims, Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando clarified that the Colombo Archdiocese was against capital punishment, and that Fr. Jude Krishantha’s comment was not the opinion of the Catholic Church.
He said the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter attacks has recommended initiating action against Nilantha Jayawardena, and that the Colombo Archdiocese expects all recommendations to be implemented.
Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando also said that the Colombo Archdiocese, however, is grateful for the decision to dismiss Nilantha Jayawardena from the Police service over allegations of dereliction of duty related to the Easter attacks.
Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Colombo, Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, made the remarks while addressing the media today (21). (Newswire)