Vatican says Sri Lanka papal trip will not be canceled

Calls on authorities to remove presidential election posters bearing the image of Pope Francis.

A presidential election campaign poster in the Kochchikade area of Colombo features Pope Francis and President Mahinda Rajapaksa

Colombo:  The Catholic Church on Monday denied claims by a Sri Lankan opposition lawmaker that Pope Francis had canceled his January 13-15 visit because a presidential election is to be held just days earlier.

The church also asked Sri Lankan authorities to immediately remove presidential election posters bearing the image of Pope Francis.

"We categorically state that the visit of the holy father will go ahead as scheduled," the church said in a statement. "We ask legislators not to make irresponsible statements and mislead people."

The church itself had earlier expressed doubts over the visit so close to a national election.

Roman Catholics account for around six percent of Sri Lanka's 20 million population and their block vote is seen as crucial to secure the presidency in the January 8 vote.

The church statement said authorities had been asked to remove all campaign posters with the image of the pope and other church symbols.

It said a previous request to political parties appeared to have been ignored.

Posters which have been displayed in Catholic-populated areas show President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a recent audience with the pope.

Rajapaksa, a member of the majority Buddhist community who is seeking an unprecedented third term, is being challenged by his former health minister Maithripala Sirisena, who is also a Buddhist.

Source: AFP/UCAN