Economic boom sans moral values of no avail - PM

Rasika Somarathna

Economic boom sans moral renaissance would be of no avail and both should go hand in hand and setting up of multi-religious committees would go a long way in realizing these goals, said Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne.

To fulfill this objective the Government has decided to establish district level Religious Committees comprising representatives of all faiths. According to Prime Minister cum Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Minister, D. M. Jayaratne who spearheads the program, the intention behind the effort is to ensure a harmonious and collective approach to make religious and relevant social programs at district level a success.

The maiden committee in this regard was set up at Trincomalee district following discussions between Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Catholic religious leaders of the area on Sunday. The head of the Sri Bodhi Raja Maha Vihara in China Bay, Trincomalee, Venerable Dehiovita Piyatissa Thera was elected as the multi-religious committee president.

The Prime Minister who spoke to the gathering afterwards noted that religious disputes have become one of the main reasons for conflicts around the world and Sri Lanka was fortunate as it did not experience such incidents at present. He added that it was the duty of the country’s religious leaders to safeguard the existing harmony and further strengthen it.

He further said President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s intention was to build a pious and a disciplined society which could be a catalyst to economic development.

The Minister who heads the subject bears much responsibility in this regard. The Premier noted that the Government intends to set up such committees in all districts including the North and East. Religious Affairs Deputy Minister M. K. D. S. Gunewardena and Trincomalee District Secretary T.T.R. De Silva and several local dignitaries too participated.