Peace is key for sustainable development globally – President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday emphasised the need for constant efforts to achieve peace as peace is the basis for sustainable development and harmony in the world.

Addressing the attendees to the inauguration of the Inter- Cultural and Inter Faith Peace Dialogue under the theme ‘Overcoming Crisis through Education’ at Temple Trees, the President said that a moral society will prevail with the existence of peace since peace promotes mental relief and spiritual ideals. Unity of all religions is needed to achieve peace in the world, he stressed.

Sri Lanka will host an Inter-religious and Cultural International Conference on world peace from November 3 to 10 in Colombo. The conference is held with the participation of about 600 foreign delegates including UNESCO General Conference President Dr. Katalin Bogyay and about 25 UNESCO ambassadors. The President received the foreign delegation including the World renowned Buddhist monk Venerable Master Chin Kung, Dr. Bogyay and other UNESCO members at the Temple Trees Saturday morning. The President told the delegates that he is upbeat about selecting Sri Lanka, which respects all religions and communities, to host the conference. Venerable Master Chin Kung, speaking at the occasion said he Sri Lanka which has set an example to the world on achieving peace is the most suitable country to unveil the journey for world peace.

The President and the Chinese prelate exchanged mementos and Master Chin Kung presented several historic books on China to the President. Thereafter multi religious leaders offered a golden shawl to the Chinese Thera.

Ministers Bandula Gunawardena, Jagath Balasuriya, Deputy Minister M.K.D.S. Gunawardena, Secretary to the External Affairs Ministry Karunaratne Amunugama, parliamentarians and clergy of all faiths.

Pic by Nalin Hewapathirana