Ignore racial differences, unite for peace - Media Minister

'We must live by doctrines advocated by religions'

Samanmalie Priyashantha

COLOMBO: The main cause for the problems in the country today is misunderstanding among ethnic groups. The people should ignore racial differences and unite to attain sustainable peace, Information and Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said. He was speaking at a ceremony organised by the Lake House Muslim Majlis at Lake House to commemorate Prophet Mohammed's birthday on Wednesday.

"Prophet Mohammed was dedicated to achieve national unity. The best respect we can pay him is achieving peace by standing together ignoring racial differences," the Minister said.

The Minister said the Holy Quran can help minimise conflict among humans.

"People belonging to different ethnic groups such as Sinhalese, Muslims and Tamils lived in this country in harmony for centuries. We must foster that unity further. Mere lip service to the religion takes us nowhere. We must live by the doctrines advocated by religions which in core is the same," Yapa said.

The differences among races are discernible only in their respective cultures manifested in the form of racial identity. In that way, Lake House can set an example to other media institutions by organising ceremonies of this nature to build mutual understanding among different ethnic groups who should learn the language of each other, the Minister said.

Deputy Minister Cegu Issadeen, President's Advisor A. H. M. Azwer, Lake House Editorial Director Karunaratne Paranavithana and Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum President N. M. Ameen also spoke. The Minister presented prizes to winners of the Essay Competition.