Solve issues through discussions - PM

Chaminda PERERA

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne yesterday stressed that issues with regard to religions and races can easily be solved through discussions.

He was of the view that the opinions of all stakeholders should be taken to arrive at a solution for such issues.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the opening of a building complex at Bodhimalakarama Viharaya in Hatharaliyedda DS division.

The Prime Minister said that dispute over the alleged construction of a mosque can be settled through negotiations.

Prime Minister Jayaratne said that he made inquiries about the mosque that is reportedly being constructed in the Dambulla Sacred Area.

“This mosque was constructed for traders coming to Dambulla 10 years ago. Nobody gave me information about this mosque,” the PM said.

He said that various reports over this mosque were reported in the media during the past few days and a protest was also held in the area a few days ago. He said that the country’s constitution has ensured the safety and progress of Buddhism.

The government is bound to protect and promote Buddhism by the constitution while ensuring the rights of other faiths. Prime Minister Jayaratne said that people should respect their fellow beings irrespective of their racial and religious differences.

He added that the officials have arrived at a decision to relocate the mosque to another place. “We should not take decisions which can create rifts between people of various communities and religions”, he said.

He said the government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa is committed to strengthen peace and equality among the communities and religions.

The Prime Minister said that he will not allow anybody to drive a wedge between communities and religions based on narrow and petty issues, at a time when the entire Muslim world stands with Sri Lanka.

Chief Sanganayake of Thumpane Ven Weththewe Dhammalankara Thera, Chief Incumbent of the temple Ven. Makkuddala Uparathana Thera, Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake and Private Secretary to the Prime Minister Anuradha Jayaratne were also present.