The Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, issued a stark warning about the increasing breakdown of family structures across Sri Lanka, describing the erosion of marriage as a serious threat to societal stability.

Speaking to devotees during the annual feast at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kalutara, the Archbishop compared the decline of family life to a “dangerous epidemic,” emphasizing that the foundation of society— the family— is under threat.

“The greatest destruction of our time is the systematic breakdown of family life,” Cardinal Ranjith declared. “In Sri Lanka today, this has spread like a dangerous epidemic.”

He expressed concern that many young couples enter marriage driven by fleeting emotions, physical attraction, or temporary happiness, only to abandon their vows shortly thereafter. “For many, marital life has become a game, without any real purpose,” he lamented.

The Cardinal underscored that marriage is the cornerstone of society, and that the strength of familial relationships directly impacts the stability of the wider community.

He stressed that, according to Catholic teachings, a faithful and strong family life is crucial not only for societal health but also for the spiritual vitality of the Church.