Program to develop places of worship:

First phase begins in Vavuniya on July 10

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne who is also the Religious Affairs Minister is taking steps to develop all religious institutions and places of worship on the direction of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday said.

The first phase of the program will start at the Vavuniya District on July 10 -11 where there are places of worship of all major religions, 20 Buddhist temples, 15 Christian churches, 18 mosques and 301 Hindu temples. Senior clergy members of all religions will be consulted for the needs of each denomination and action will be taken to fulfill these, the press release said.

The Premier said building a just society with the assistance of various religions is the government’s main aim.

The Government will provide the means and assistance to followers to practise the religions in an atmosphere of freedom, the release also said.

Along with the meeting with various religious dignitories low income families of Vavuniya will be given agricultural implements and high yielding coconut seedlings, Medical clinics will also be held for these families, the release adds.