Cardinal questions Education Ministry’s Sex Ed Curriculum

Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, has strongly criticized the government’s ongoing education reforms, claiming they strip parents of their rights and undermine Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious foundations.

Speaking at a ceremony held at St. Joseph’s Church in Hanwella, the Cardinal expressed grave concern over the sexual education curriculum recently introduced by the Ministry of Education. 

He alleged that the program promotes ideas that conflict with traditional views on marriage, family life, and morality.

“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 wrongful behaviour, 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,” Cardinal Ranjith said.

He stressed that Sri Lanka’s heritage culture, civilization, and values, rooted in Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, must not be abandoned in favour of foreign influence. 

“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,” he noted.

The Archbishop further warned that programs influenced by international agencies, including the United Nations and its population control bodies, were eroding family structures and damaging parent–child relationships.

“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,” he said.

While acknowledging that children’s rights must be respected, Cardinal Ranjith emphasized that such rights should not be misused to weaken family bonds. 

“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,” he added.

The Archbishop’s remarks underlined the growing criticism from religious leaders over the government’s education reform agenda, which they argue risks undermining Sri Lanka’s cultural identity and moral values. (Newswire)

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