Religion can keep youth away from terrorism - Mahanayake Thera

Asela Kuruluwansa

The LTTE which caused havoc and disrupted peace in the country has been eliminated. They would not have resorted to these crimes if they had been properly moulded under a religious background, Mahanayake of the Malwatte Chapter, Most Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera said yesterday.

The Chief prelate made this revelation when Apostolic Nuncio Joseph Spiteri appointed by Pope Benedict called on him at Malwathu Viharaya in Kandy.

“People in the North should be treated the same way as those in the South. The Government is working towards this,” the Chief prelate said. Archbishop Spiteri said it was the duty of religious leaders to heal the wounds in the hearts of the people battered by the long drawn out war.

“The Catholic Council will always work towards bringing about harmony and goodwill among all ethnic groups. This will be done by showing mutual respect towards one another,” he said.

Kandy Bishop Vianney Fernando was present.