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| Sunday, 8 September 2002 |
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Two prominent Lankan Buddhist clergymen hail Peace Talks by Colvin L. De Silva, our London corr Most Venerable Pandith M. Vajiragnana Thera, the head of the London Buddhist Vihara and the Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain has in a letter to the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe wished all success at the forthcoming talks between the Government and the Tamil Tigers. He states, "It gives me great satisfaction to be able to wish you every success in your quest for a peaceful settlement to the very damaging conflict which has devastated not only our people, but also the growth of our beloved country. The nineteen-year long war has caused immeasurable damage, hardship and deprivation to all concerned, and has proved to be absolutely destructive in every way. War can never be settled by war, just as hatred cannot be overcome by hatred. On this occasion let us hope that everyone will bear these truths in mind. The feeling of vengeful anger, of hatred and of revenge are self destructive. We must succeed in looking at the problem justly and unemotionally. Realising the tremendous hurdles you will have to overcome to reach an amicable settlement, we feel that our courageous initiative in holding this dialogue is to be most highly commended. I fervently hope and trust that at this time a settlement acceptable to all is forthcoming. I am also aware that this meeting is not without its dangers. There may be some who have negative opinions and may put some kind of obstacle in the path of a peaceful outcome. Nevertheless I believe that a satisfactory answer is not impossible, and that with your vision courage and endurance, a happy and prosperous future is within our grasp. May the 'Triple Gem' bless our Prime Minister and all who are involved in these endeavours to bring peace and national unity to our country, and may your wisdom conquer all adversity" In a separate message by Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi Thera, the Head of the Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre, sent to the Prime Minister, expresses his sincerest wish for the talks to be fruitful and bring about peace, prosperity and harmony in the country. He goes on to say " Soon you and your government will be entering into negotiations that could well bring about the peace that all communities in Sri Lanka have long yearned for. After nearly twenty years of bloodshed the very real chance of a lasting and just peace has finally dawned. Whether these talks fail and the spectre of hate continues to prowl the land, or succeed and usher in a period of new opportunities will depend to a very large extend upon you. We understand the enormous responsibilities on your shoulders, the many conflicting pressures you are under and the numerous interests you have to take into account. You are going to need courage, determination, a spirit of compromise and goodwill to enter into the awesome tasks ahead. May you have the courage to take difficult decisions for the sake of peace. May you have the determination to see the negotiations through to a successful conclusion. May your willingness to compromise engender a spirit of compromise in your opposite. In the Digha Nikaya the Buddha describes one who follows his teachings as speaking like this 'He reconciles those who are at odds and encourages those already united. Rejoicing in peace, loving peace, delighting in peace, he is one who speaks up for peace.' May future generations look back and be able to say of you 'He was a true follower of Buddha in that he spoke up for peace'. On behalf of the Sri Lankan community in the United Kingdom, I would like to express my sincerest wish that these talks will return our beautiful island to peace, prosperity and harmony." |
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