Former Speaker warns country against falling prey to extremists

Thursday, 24 August 2023 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya

Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday issued a statement warning Sri Lankans against falling prey to various extremist elements.

Jayasuriya said the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) led by him is deeply concerned about the recent reports of a number of incidents that could seriously endanger national and religious harmony.

“We request our fellow countrymen not to support any action that may harm the peace and inter-religious harmony. Let us not support any form of action that may lead to bloodshed again in our motherland.” he urged.

The former speaker noted that every philosophy based on religious teachings and their symbols considered sacred are the heritage of the entire human race.

“We all need to understand that they are not rights or physical objects that are limited to only one race or religious community. Any physical object or site of archaeological value should be considered a heritage that the entire human community can be proud of,” he said.

“We must keep in mind that the greatness of a nation or the supremacy of a religion rests on the great virtues and guidance they inherit to the world. Such values are destroyed by those who commit extremist, hegemonic and violent activities for their narrow objectives. Therefore, we request all those who work with true respect for their religion, country, and cultural heritage not to fall prey to the tricks of the extremists,” he added.