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"The government has requested all political parties to thoroughly examine the positions and other information of the representatives they propose nominating as candidates for the elections and select only the most suitable. The government has decided to confiscate all weapons being the main cause of the prevalent increasing crime rate, and to stop the issue of weapons even to Members of Parliament, unless considered extremely necessary on security grounds."

This was stated by Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion and Minister of Constitutional Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris at the opening of a Dhaana Shaalawa at the Sri Kalyanigangarama Vihara in Mattakkuliya.

Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris said the ceremony signified the priorities and need of the country. There are people gathered here from various cultural, religious and social backgrounds. This is the required background for cordial relations to build peace in the country. Our society today should preserve spiritual values as what we see and hear through electronic and print media is not very pleasing due to various crimes taking place. Although our society has developed economically and technologically there is a decline in terms of values. There has to be a balance struck between the two.

The reason for an increase in crimes is the free flow of weapons in the country. It is sad that some of those who are connected with crimes represent certain political parties. If the court has declared a person a criminal it is not fair to nominate him as a prospective candidate.

If a person appears in court as an accused in a murder trial should his name be forwarded as a prospective candidate? Similarly, if a political party sends one off the party on disciplinary grounds, there is suspicion as to whether he would join another party.

These problems should be resolved once and for all on agreement between parties. Those who are found patriotic, respectful, dignified and of good attitude towards serving the nation should be the most eligible candidates," the Minister said.

"As adult minds are not that flexible, spiritually, good values and conduct should be cultivated at childhood.

Hence there is a responsibility that lies with the Sunday schools and Daham Paasal said the Minister. He thanked philanthropist Nagadevan for his generosity towards building a new shrine room.

Minister of Power and Energy Karu Jayasuriya said the objective of the Prime Minister and the government is to have justice and fairplay in the country. The welcome speech was delivered by Lilantha Perera, MP and Ven. Kudahille Ratana Thera of the Kalyanigangarama Vihara addressed the gathering. "Rashmi Prabha" souvenir and "Daanaya saha Dhaana Shaala Puranaya" publication were ceremonially launched at this ceremony.

The author Ven. Karaputugala Revatha Thera presented the publications to the distinguished invitees. Patrick Oliver a businessman presented a set of loudspeakers and sound system to Minister G. L. Peiris which was handed over to the Chief Incumbent of the Vihara.

Mahanayake of the Amarapura Sri Sadharmawansha Chapter, Ven. Kosgoda Jinalankara Thera, Advisor to Prime Minister K. M. Abeysinghe, Working Director of Lanka Cement Sanath Goonewardene, people of all faiths, parents and students were among the gathering.

Laying of foundation stones for a new library building by Minister of Power and Energy Karu Jayasuriya and a new shrine room out of his own funds by businessman P. Nagadevan, also took place on the same day. Among those participating in the event were Rauff Hakeem - Minister of Port Development and Shipping, Eastern Development, Lilantha Perera - Member of Parliament, Chairman of the Dhaayaka Sabha, Ratnasiri Rajapakse, S. Sellasamy and other invitees including the clergy and laymen.

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