Religion is essential to build national unity
The contribution of religions, which go beyond racial and ethnic divisions, is important for peace and reconciliation, said Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo.
Jan 29, 2016

COLOMBO: The contribution of religions, which go beyond racial and ethnic divisions, is important for peace and reconciliation, said Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo. The president spoke at a ceremony marking Thai Pongal, the most important Tamil festival, which this year fell on 18 January.
At Thai Pongal, farmers traditionally exchange gifts in gratitude for a bountiful harvest. At this event, held at the Payagala Hindu College in Kalutara (south of Colombo), several cultural and religious activities were held to promote peace and reconciliation, starting with pupils. "Building peace and reconciliation does not take place only through the implementation of laws and the adoption of a new Constitution. It can only be done through religious philosophies,” said President Sirisena in his address.
Cardinal Ranjith had already stressed these issues months ago, when the Catholic magazine Gnanartha Pradeepaya celebrated 150 years, an event where the president was himself present. In a country that is still suffering from the wounds caused by the war between the army and Tamil rebels which lasted about 30 years, “religion is essential in the construction of national unity,” said the prelate during that event. For this reason, it is essential to strengthen national unity and shared values. -- Asianews
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