(UTV | COLOMBO) – Former Minister Harin Fernando yesterday issued an apology to Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith over his recent statement.
Speaking during a rally in Badulla Harin Fernando said he regrets any inconvenience caused to Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and the Christian community as a result.
He added however that his stance pertaining to statements he made in relation to the Presidential Election remain unchanged.
Fernando said if the opposition receives 5% of the 52% of votes received by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa both sides will have 47% adding that if a candidate receives less than 50% the second preferential vote will be considered.
He added the JVP cast their second preferential vote to Sajith Premadasa, claiming that is why he said there was a game going on, with the Easter attacks and changing the mindset of the Muslim community and changing the vote of Christian voters.
The former Parliamentarian said that is the statement that made Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith say that his statement affected the Christian community.
He noted however that he remains of his previous stance, which is that based on the statements and actions and allegations pointed at the former government, the people changed.
He added the government faction also claimed a leader with a backbone must be appointed and the government must change.
Harin Fernando said if the government faction is saying such statements weren’t made with a political motive, the statement must be reconsidered.