PM advocates amicable settlement to mosque issue

Chaminda PERERA

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne yesterday said that Muslim leaders and the members of clergy yesterday agreed to further discuss the dispute over the alleged construction of a mosque in the Rangiri Dambulla sacred area after their Friday prayers today (27).

The Premier yesterday called on Muslim leaders and clergy to discuss the issue over the alleged construction of the mosque in the Dambulla sacred area and to arrive at a amicable settlement. He said that the settlement that would be arrived at, by the two parties after discussion scheduled for today, will be implemented by the government without any hesitation.

He said that the government will not show hesitation in implementing whatever the conclusion reached by the two parties. The Prime Minister said the two communities have been having very close ties throughout history. He stressed the need to promote closer ties between the two communities. The Premier added that he discussed this issue with relevant partis earlier and he made a proposal to relocate this mosque to another place. They all agreed to my proposal but later changed their minds due to various reasons.

Prime Minister Jayaratne called on all Sri Lankans to shed petty differences and extend the hands of friendship and brotherhood to all communities.

The Prime Minister commended the contribution made by the Muslim fraternity in uplifting country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said that he is very well aware of the wishes and aspirations of Muslim community as a person who lived with the Muslim community since his childhood.

The Prime Minister added that he has always stood by the members of the Muslim community as and when required. Prime Minister Jayaratne remembered how he pioneered in constructing mosques to conduct their religious activities and vested such mosques in them. "It is unbecoming on the part of Sri Lankans to create unnecessary disputes based on race and religion in a country which has a greatleader who treats all communities alike," he said.