Religion plays major role in creating just society - President
Rasika SOMARATHNA
In the aftermath of a long drawn conflict, which sowed the seeds of
hatred and dis-harmony, it is the responsibility of all to contribute
towards building a society rich with religious values, peace and unity
for the benefit of future generations, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said
yesterday.
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing Priests of Hindu
Kovils and members of the Board of Trustees of such
institutions at Temple Trees yesterday. The event was held
to mark the provision of Rs.75 million for 740 Hindu Kovils
islandwide during 2012, under the national programme for
reconstruction of Hindu Kovils. Pictures by Sudath Silva |
The President was addressing Priests of Hindu Kovils and members of
the Board of Trustees of such institutions at Temple Trees yesterday.
The event was held to mark the provision of Rs.75 million for 740
Hindu Kovils islandwide during 2012, under the national programme for
reconstruction of Hindu Kovils.
It was announced on the occasion that another Rs.80 million has been
allocated to develop Hindu Kovils during 2013.
President Rajapaksa said religion could play a major role in creating
a just society and stressed that his government has always being
committed to provide all assistance to uplift religious institutions of
all faiths.
He added that since 2005 his government has given all assistance to
develop religious institutions and propagate their teachings.
“There are 5,600 Hindu Kovils and 1,500 Hindu Dhamma Schools
registered with the Ministry of Religious Affairs”, Deputy Minister of
Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs M.K.D.S.Gunewardena said.
During the event, the President distributed funds and education
material to identified Hindu Kovils and affiliated Dhamma Schools.
Minister Gunewardena and Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs
Department Director Shanthi Navukarasu also addressed the gathering.
Ministers, MP’s, Priests of Hindu Kovils and members of the board of
trustees attended.
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