No room for racial or religious extremism _ President

Rasika Somarathna in Matara

All who love the motherland have a responsibility to ensure that Sri Lanka will not be tagged a racist and ‘religious extremist’ country, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

Stressing that the government will leave no room for racial or religious extremism, the President said all who love the country should shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding religious and ethnic harmony.

Noting that elements with vested interests were looking at every opportunity to tarnish Sri Lanka’s image through false accusations, President Rajapaksa said any attempt to promote ethnic and religious extremism would be akin to supplying ammunition to those elements. He requested all citizens not to provide such opportunities to those who aim to destroy the country’s image.

President Rajapaksa noted the above at a ceremony organised to welcome the Chief Incumbent of Weherahena Temple, Venerable Kegalle Rathanasara Nayaka Thera, who was bestowed the title Chief Sanganayaka of the Dakshina Vihara Parshawaya.

The event was held at Weherehena Purvarama Rajamaha Viharaya, Matara on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering which included leading Buddhist prelates in the country including Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkhithabhidana Maha Nayaka Thera, the President said the Maha Sangha had always come forward to protect the country when in peril.

While observing that Maha Sangha had always played a major role in guiding the nation on the correct path, the President said he looks forward to guidance from the Maha Sangha at all times.

He said Buddhists should be exemplary in conduct.

President Rajapaksa said while safeguarding the rights of Buddhists, it is the responsibility of all Buddhists to protect the rights of others.

When the country was looking forward towards a bright and prosperous future, the President stressed that it was important for all to work with tolerance and amity to sustain the country’s forward march.

The President also praised the work of Ven Rathanasara Nayaka thera for social and religious uplift. President Rajapaksa also opened the newly built Atavisi Buddha Mandiraya and launched the temple’s new website.

Ven Prof Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thera, Dr Iththapane Dhammalankara Thera, Ven Welamitiyawe Kusaladamma Thera, Ven Pallattara Sumanajothi Thera and a large group of Maha Sangha from all corners of the island participated.

Ministers Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene, Dullus Alahapperuma, Southern Province Governor Kumari Balsuriya, Deputy Minister M K D S Gunewardene, Hemal Gunasekera MP, political leaders and the public also participated.