‘Ethnic and religious harmony vital for development’
Priyanka KURUGALA
Representatives of all political parties will hold discussions to
find solutions which could be implemented to protect ethnic and
religious harmony, Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister
Nimal Siripala De Silva said.
Action will be taken to protect peace among communities through a
special committee appointed by Parliament, he said. The minister was
speaking at a function following the commissioning of the Villuwa
reservoir at ancient Mahiyanganaya temple premises.
He said the racism will result in vast destruction. The racism will
also hinder development. President Mahinda Rajapaksa was able to
eliminate terrorism and create a peaceful country. Now all citizens have
a responsibility to work for the well-being of the motherland, he noted.
The minister requested the people to protect the country’s future.
“We have to develop new ideologies for this purpose. To protect the
peace we won, reconciliation is very important among races. Sinhalese
Buddhists are not a racist community. Nevertheless many conspiracies are
being activated to unstable the country,” he said.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa always receives the blessings of the Maha
Sangha. He will never betray the country. The country’s protection under
his leadership is confirmed, he said. “We have to develop ethnic and
religious harmony to protect the freedom we gained,” he said.
Chief incumbent of the Mahiyanganaya Rajamahavihara Ven Uruleweththe
Dhammarakkitha Thera said, the Villuwa reservoir which was dilapidated
for over 60 years, was renovated by the Irrigation and Water Resources
Management Ministry according to a request by the Mahiyangana Temple
Authority from Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva.
This is an honour to the Mahiyanganaya ancient sacred site, the Thera
said. Most Ven Daranagama Kusala Dhamma Thera, Most Ven Ahangama Ananda
Thera, Vedda Leader Uruvarige Vannileeththo, Prof Chandana Jayarathne,
Mapakada Irrigation Engineer Sunil Pallegoda also participated. |
