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| Sunday, 14 December 2003 |
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Religious conversions by undue means not approved - Christian Affairs Minister Christian Affairs Minister John Emmanuel Amaratunga said that religious conversions by force or by undue means were not approved by the State or by the Catholic Church. Minister was expressing his views on recent incidents against the Catholics and Christians in the country. "Every one in Sri Lanka is free to practice one's religion you adhere to a religion out of conviction and that is the right of the individual which the Sri Lankan Constitution guarantees", Minister Amaratunga said speaking at a media briefing on Thursday. Referring the prevailing situation in the country Minister Amaratunga said that the need of the hour was Peace. " What our country needs today is Peace. Christmas is the ideal time to ponder upon the message of peace baby Christ preached from the manger at Bethlehem. It is an event where all communities and members of other religions can come together to celebrate and added that his Ministry has taken every step to make this Christmas a memorable one". Emphasising Christmas time as the ideal time to spread message of peace and unity, Minister Amaratunga said that steps have been taken to display banners throughout the country to campaign for peaceful living. There will be a discussion on "Christmas and We Ourselves" led by Pradeepaya Editor Rev. Fr. Benedict Joseph both in the National and ITN Channels, Minister Amaratunge added. Christmas Night Mass at Kuda Payagala Church offered by Colombo Archbishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis and Christmas Day Mass also offered by the same prelate at the Maha Veediya Church, Negombo will be telecast live. Sirasa Channel will bring the message of Christmas Sharing with others telecasting a program organised by the Diocese of Kurunegala. There will be similar programs in Galle where the members of other denominations and Buddhists Monks will be invited to join the celebrations to promote peaceful living. On December 20 there will be a special Holy Mass at 5.30 followed by Carol service will be telecast and Christmas concert at Peliyagoda Vijaya Vidayalaya will be telecast from 9.30 pm. On December 21 Christmas Carols at Mahaveediya Church, Negombo at 7.00 pm and singing of Christmas carols by Hendala, Palliyawatta Fisherfolk at Elakanda junction will also be telecast live. On December 22 at Dervin Mendis Sports ground, Katunayake, a program on the "Let us spread Kindness through Christmas" will be staged and telecast live. Christmas concert by children of the Pre-school, Seeduwa, "Peace Walk" of the Prisoners organised by the Lions Club and Carol procession through the streets of Negombo will take place. On December 23 there will be a Special Christmas program at Ragama Catholic Church and Carols at 5.30 p.m. at the Church grounds at Delathura, Ja-Ela. On December 24 Carols will be held at Church premises at Mattumagala and Christmas Cultural show at Nayakakanda Church Grounds. |
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