The Archdiocese of Colombo has issued a statement condemning the statement made by former Minister Harin Fernando criticising the conduct of Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

Issuing a statement, the Archdiocese of Colombo said there would have been a bloodbath in the country if not for the intervention of the Colombo Archbishop on the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks.

The statement also said the allegations against the Colombo Archbishop were baseless and unfounded.

It added Fernando's allegations have tarnished the good name of the Colombo Archbishop and requested all those concerned to take immediate steps to correct the situation.

However, former Opposition Leader and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has already apologised to the Colombo Archbishop over the statement made by his party colleague.