New constitution alone will not help reconciliation: Sirisena

President Maithripala Sirisena says building peace and reconciliation among the people in the country cannot be done only through enacting laws and adopting a new constitution but through religious philosophy.

He requested religious leaders to take forward the program launched by the Government to build peace and brotherhood by alleviating the fear and suspicion among every community in the country.

The President made these remarks while participating in a Thaipongal ceremony held at Hindu College in Payagala, Kalutara yesterday, organised under the program to use religious and cultural activities as a tool to promote national peace and reconciliation among school children.

Addressing the gathering at the ceremony the President pointed out that the divisions in communities in accordance with their race and religion should not be a barrier for the task of building the country.

“It is my objective to see every community in this country living in peace and unity in a free and fair society,” he said.

The President said that religious leaders of the country can fulfill more responsibilities than politicians to achieve success in the process of national reconciliation.

He also requested the Maha Sangha and Hindu, Islam and Catholic religions leader to join with the Government to lay the foundation to prevent a recurrence of the war and to strengthen the national reconciliation process.

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Ministers Rajitha Senaratne and Mahinda Samarasinghe, State Minister A.H.M. Fowzie, Chief Minister of the Western Province Isura Devapriya, Western Provincial Council Ministers Gamini Thilakasiri and Ranjith Somawansa, the Principal, Staff of the school, parents and others participated in the event. 

(Colombo Gazette)