Inter-Religious Advisory Committee to advice on cultural and religious issues: President

President Maithripala Sirisena says he would appoint an Inter-Religious Advisory Committee to advice the Government on cultural and religious issues that arise in the country.

The President made these remarks at his meeting with multi-religious leaders held on Thursday at the Presidential Secretariat.

Ven. Bellanvila Vimalarathana Thero recalled that though the proposal on an Inter-Religious Advisory Committee was taken into discussions during the last regime it didn’t become a reality. Multi-religious leaders including Maha Sanga extended the commendation to President Sirisena for taking actions on this regard without any hesitation.

His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith also expressed his agreement over this proposal.

President Sirisena further stated that the Government’s objective was to build peace and reconciliation among every community by enhancing the religious reconciliation among the Buddhists, Catholics, Islam and Hindu devotees.

“Issues have arisen on some occasions due to the activities of extremists, but it is the responsibility of everybody to find solutions for them with understanding,” the President said.

The multi-religious leaders commended the program, carried out by the President and the government to build the peace and reconciliation among every community in the country. They also praised the political unanimity demonstrated to build the country.

The discussion focused on the appointment of the Inter-Religious Advisory Committee and its task. The President requested the religious leaders to further have discussions on this matter and present the decisions to the government.

Maha Nayaka of Ramanna Maha Nikaya Most Venerable Napane Premasiri Thero, Anu Nayaka of Malwathu Chapter Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thero, Agga Maha Panditha Ven. Kotugoda Dammavasa Thero, Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Vimalarathana Thero, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and multi-religious leaders participated in this discussion.