PM reassures religious freedom for all

BY ROHAN Mathes

PRIME MINISTER Mahinda Rajapakse yesterday re-affirmed his commitment to protect the freedom of worship of all citizens of the country, reiterating that it is a right which nobody could be deprived of under any circumstances.

Premier Rajapakse gave this assurance after engaging in religious observances to invoke blessings at the historic Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, to obtain blessings from the Atamastanadhipathi, the Most Ven. Pallegamma Siri Nivasa Thera to resume his election campaign symbolically following the handing over of nominations as the UPFA Presidential hopeful for the Presidential Election.

Rajapakse asserted that he would always protect and uphold the dignity and pride of Sri Lanka's 2,500 year old, rich culture and heritage, while carrying on the task of creating a just, disciplined and law-abiding generation for the future. His expectations are, to build for all, an independent land, free of fear, suspicion and hatred.

Rajapakse was accompanied by Mrs. Rajapakse, North Central Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake, Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Ministers Tissa Karaliyadde, Felix Perera, Dinesh Gunawardena, Susil Premajayantha and Pavithra Wanniaarachchi.