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| Monday, 16 December 2002 |
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by Sarath Samaranayake and Asela Kuruluwansa The rights of the Muslim community in the East will be secured in a political solution aimed at establishing peace in the country, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe assured yesterday. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe was speaking at the National Milad-un-Nabi celebration held at the Madawala Madeena National School stadium. "There will be special emphasis on the rights of Eastern Muslims in this journey towards peace," the Prime Minister told the gathering. "Minister Rauf Hakeem who took over the leadership of the SLMC after Minister M.H.M. Ashraff, is playing a vital role in the peace talks together with Ministers G.L. Peiris and Milinda Moragoda. He had also done a lot of work to develop the Madawala area," he added. Ports, Shipping, Eastern Development and Muslim Religious Affairs Minister Rauff Hakeem said that will give his fullest support to the United Front Government by solving internal disputes in his party. He said that this year's Milad-un-Nabi celebration was scheduled to be held at the Aligar College in Eravur. But a tragedy occurred on the election day in Kandy. "Ten youths sacrificed their lives for democracy. He said that it was very difficult to do any substantial work in his present capacity. This Milad-un-Nabi celebration here is a mark of respect to those youth who sacrificed their lives for democracy. The next year's celebration will be held in Eravur." Plantations Minister Lakshman Kiriella said communal and religious amity was vital in the path towards peace. "The founders of religions had taught us to lead a just life. The Prime Minister's equal treatment towards all religions and communities has strengthened the peace process." Cooperatives Minister Abdul Cader also spoke. |
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