The Archdiocese of Colombo has firmly rejected recent reports claiming that Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith is set to step down from his position as Archbishop of Colombo in late 2026.
Responding to an inquiry on the matter, Reverend Father Jude Chrysantha, Director of Mass Communications for the Archdiocese, stated that the reports are false and clarified that any decision regarding the appointment or retirement of an Archbishop lies solely with the Vatican.
He further explained that under Canon Law, retirement is generally considered upon reaching the age of 80. However, he emphasized that the final determination rests exclusively with the Pope Francis.
According to the clarification, although Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith is expected to reach the age of 80 next year, no official announcement regarding his retirement has been made to date.
The statement comes in response to recent media reports citing unnamed sources, which had suggested that a significant leadership transition within the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka was likely by the end of this year.
With the Archdiocese now publicly addressing the speculation, church officials have moved to dispel uncertainty surrounding the Archbishop’s future and reaffirm that no formal decision has yet been communicated by the Vatican.
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