PM assures Buddhism foremost place

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe during his visit to Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, yesterday

• PM tells Asgiri and Malwathu Chief Prelates constitutional amendments will not compromise position given to Buddhism or territorial integrity
• Says action will be taken against extremist elements vandalising religious places 

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday assured that Buddhism would be given the foremost place in the country’s Constitution. 

The Premier, who met the Chief Prelates of Asgiriya and Malwathu chapters in Kandy yesterday assured the theras that any amendment to the Constitution would ensure that Article 9 would always remain unchanged. 

“I informed the Theras that we have discussed and agreed with all the Opposition parties and the United National Party as well that at any point when there is an amendment to the Constitution, Article 9 in the current Constitution, which gives foremost place to Buddhism, will not be changed at all,” the Prime Minister told the media in Kandy. 

Further he said that assurances were given that the Government would always maintain the territorial integrity of the country.

The Prime Minister also said that instructions had been given to the Criminal Investigations Division to take action against the extremist individuals who were engaged in vandalising two Buddhist temples and one Hindu temple in Mawanella area. 

The Prime Minister said he went to pay homage to the Theras for their contribution to protect the Constitution of the country and sovereignty of the people. 

“If we are going to have a stable government, we need those institutions which will maintain stability as well. Further I informed the two Prelates that we will carry on with all the development work, especially programs to bring relief to the rural areas.”