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Peace and unity essential - Archbishop Gomis

"Peace and unity are essential to the country. The peace process commenced by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga then has progressed very successfully today. It should be the duty of all to give their support for the peace effort to succeed," said the new Archbishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis.

The Archbishop said so when Opposition Leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa called on him at the Archbishop's House at Anuradhapura to wish him on his assumption of the new position. The Archbishop further said that Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse has been entrusted with an onerous task as the Leader of the Opposition and that he is pleased that Mr. Rajapakse as a learned and intelligent leader has won the hearts of all. He also said that Rajapakse who is concerned about the country acts like a patriot. The Archbishop said that he hopes that a peace acceptable to all will dawn.

Opposition Leader, Mahinda Rajapakse said that it is his wish as the Archbishop stated to see the dawn of a peace acceptable to all and not unfair by the Sinhalese, Tamils or the Muslims. He said it was President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga who initiated the peace process to bring peace to the country. It is the duty of all to take it forward to its fruition.

He said that he is not at all opposed to the peace process. The people find it difficult to live owing to rising prices. The crime wave too rises day by day. It is unreasonable to sell public enterprises through privatisation. He said that therefore he had to launch a public protest countrywide against hunger, suppression and repression.

In conclusion Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse said that he hopes that the new Archbishop will be able to do a great service to the country and the nation.

Former Christian Religious Affairs Minister, Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, MP and Mr. Sarath Gunaratne were also present on this occasion.

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