X'mas celebration at Visumpaya :

Govt strives for equality to all

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne stated that the Government is not in anyway ready to either give special regard or discriminate any race or religion by reason of their nationality, beliefs, language, culture or their traditional practices.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the government has discharged its duties upholding the values of humanity for a prosperous future of the people and not with any ulterior motives of hoodwinking them politically.

He expressed these views at a special Christmas Celebrations held on Wednesday at Visumpaya, the official residence of the Premier. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Christian Religious Affairs and the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister further said that it was the obligation of each individual Sri Lankan to respect other religions while following one's own religion.

There are four main religions in this country. Each and every religion is all about how one should live without being a hindrance to one's society.

There is neither a minority nor a majority race in this country, but one nation, under the banner of Sri Lankans. The Premier stressed that all living in this country should collectively steer the country towards economic, social and cultural development. The spiritual advancement of people will bring them happiness.

That is why the 2011 Budget has provided the people the strength required to achieve both the spiritual advancement and the economic development, he said. The Prime Minister also elaborated on the government's expectation to upgrade the living standard of the people utilizing all such infrastructure and progressive work.

Christian clergy led by Rev Fr Cyril Gamini, Episcopal Vicar of South Region of Colombo Archdiocese, North Central Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Disanayaka and several other distinguished guests attended the event.