The Catholic Church was not aiming at converting Sri Lankan Buddhists into Christianity and will focus on contributing to the progress and well-being of the country,the new Archbishop of Colombo has said. "The Christian community in Sri Lanka has tremendously contributed to the development of country and they have actively been involved in the country's liberation struggle," Rt Rev Malcom Ranjith said here on Monday. He said Sri Lanka is closely intertwined with Buddhism and conversion to any religion by "unethical norms" would never be endorsed by him. The sole desire of the community is to contribute to Sri Lanka's progress and well-being,he said. The new Colombo Archbishop was speaking at a felicitation ceremony attended by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. Ranjith,who arrived from the Vatican to take charge,urged the international community not to isolate the country as such action would aggravate the sufferings of the people. He said the imposition of a political or economic embargo on Sri Lanka would serve no purpose and the world should help Sri Lanka overcome the problems of the displaced Tamils. He said Pope Benedict XVI blessed President Rajapaksa and his efforts to bring peace and prosperity to the country. "The country is enjoying a feel of security and peace after suffering 30 years of terrorism. The new position of Rev Malcolm Ranjith was a privilege he got to serve a new Sri Lanka," President Rajapaksa said.
