Dambulla crisis:

'Don't be misled'

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU- Council of Muslim Theologians) and the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) urge the Muslim community not to be misled by forces out to destroy the cordial relationship between the Muslim and Buddhist communities by engaging in violent protests or demonstrations over the Dambulla mosque incident.

"The Holy Quran has prescribed solutions to every threat or disaster through prayers.

All Muslims are requested to pray Kunoothun Naasila for a speedy solution to the crisis orchestrated by a group with vested interests," said a release issued by them.

The Muslim religious, civil and political leadership together will seek to ensure that justice prevails through consultation with the relevant authorities, the release said.

All parties should join in defusing tensions - Ven thera

All ethnic groups should respect and protect the rights of others, said Malwatte Chapter Anunayake Most Ven Niyangoda Sri Vijitha Siri Thera.

The Thera was giving a statement to the Daily News regarding the Dambulla mosque incident.

Ven Prof Kumburugamuwe Vajira Thera said it is easy to create conflicts but not easy to solve problems.

Therefore, all parties should be active in preventing conflicts, the thera added. "Such issues will damage the image of the country. Sri Lanka is a country where religious harmony prevails. Every individual has a responsibility to protect other cultures and heritages," the thera said. "Both religious leaders should discuss and solve this problem before it becomes a major issue. Every community has the responsibility to foster peace and work towards ethnic and religious harmony," the thera said.

At present, the government has implemented speedy development countrywide while many conspiracies are being hatched to destroy the stability of the government, the thera added.