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By Sarath Samaranayake and Asela Kuruluwansa

The Chief Prelates of the Asgiriya and Malwatte Chapters Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Maha Nayaka Thera and Ven.Rambukwelle Sri Vipassi Maha Nayaka Thera have expressed confidence that peace will dawn soon, as indicated by the success of the recent peace talks in Thailand between the Government and the LTTE.

They made these observations when Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion and Constitutional Affairs Minister Professor G.L.Peiris called on them to brief them on the outcome of peace talks and to receive their blessings for the second round of talks scheduled from October 31.

Ven.Rambukwelle Sri Vipassi Nayaka Thera, appreciating the Government's strategy said the journey towards peace has to be undertaken with foresight. The discussions must aim at lasting peace within a unitary state under one Government, safeguarding the rights of all citizens without discrimination.

The Ven.Mahanayaka Thera stressed the importance of preserving the confidence and goodwill of countries who contribute generously towards rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Professor Peiris, the government's chief negotiator, paid homage to the Sacred Tooth relic before meeting Ven.Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter.

Ven.Buddharakkhitha Mahanayaka Thera observed that the peace journey must progress step by step. Peace is the urgent need of the helpless masses. The reality of the damage caused by war can be understood only by visiting the North-East areas. Solutions to problems will not dawn suddenly and have to be achieved gradually. We must go ahead with the peace process, said the Ven. Mahanayaka Thera.

The path of peace adopted by the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, with sincerity of purpose to preserve the territorial integrity and amity among diverse communities was praised by both Mahanayake Theras at these meetings.

Prof. Peiris said the LTTE has expressed its willingness to solve the problem within a single state. Their renouncement of the demand for a separate state is a good start.

"The LTTE has said that it has a high degree of confidence in the Prime Minister's commitment to peace. We have identified each others' problem in the first round of talks itself. This is a good sign. The world community has taken cognisance of this fact and promised assistance for rehabilitation of the North-East," he told the Mahanayake Theras.

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