Thousands at Adhistana Pooja

Atapattu Bandara and Dhanushka Gondakumbura

Thousands of people led by members of the clergy representing all religious communities yesterday participated in an Adhistana Pooja to defeat the conspiracies against the country. The procession led by members of the Maha Sangha and religious leaders representing the other faiths began from the Mahinda Rajapaksa Performing Arts Theatre with members of all communities participating with traditional drummers and flag bearers in attendance, The Adhisthana Pooja began with religious observances conducted by lecturer of the Sri Jayawardenapura University Ven. Medegoda Abhayathissa Thera.

The thera said various forces are attempting to incite an internal crisis after terrorism was wiped out in the country.

He urged the international community not to stand in the way of a country marching forward after its victory over terrorism.

Moulavi Alhaj Mohhammad Laafir representing the Islamic faith stressed the need for unity in the face of the US sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka at the 19th United Nations Human Rights Council session.

Rev. Ivan Perera, representing the Catholic community said people should shed ethnic and racial differences and join hands to protect the country at this crucial juncture. He thanked the people who had gathered on the occasion disregarding differences.

This Adhistana Pooja showed the world that all communities of the country are living peacefully after the country succeeded in eradicating LTTE terrorism which plagued the country and stalled its development for more than three decades.

The participants at the Adhistana Pooja made a vow that the hard won peace and the heroic Security Forces who made great sacrifices to save the country from the clutches of terrorism would not be betrayed. All attendees conducted a Satyagraha against forces hostile to Sri Lanka after the religious observances.