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by W. T. J. S. Kaviratne - Ambalangoda Special Correspondent

"More than 2500 years ago, it was the Buddha who found the solutions for the problems of the sufferings of humanity and this is enshrined in Buddhist Philosophy" said the Norwegian Development Minister Peace Envoy to Sri Lanka and the Minister of International Development Erik Solheim said recently at Wenamulla, in Hikkaduwa Divisional Secretariat area.

He made these observations, at a public rally held in the 'Sumanaramaya Temple' premises at Wenamulla following the ceremonial commissioning of the newly constructed buildings of the temple funded by the Norwegian Government.

This is one of the highly affected Buddhist temples due to tsunami and identified by "Dharma Shakthi National Committee jointly with Foundation for Co-existence for reconstruction, in the Galle district.

Tsunami hit 32 Buddhist temples of Kalutara, Galle, Matara and Hambantota had been identified for reconstruction and development with the financial assistance of Norway.

Erik Solheim, reiterating the importance of the "Teachings of the Lord Buddha clearly explained the Causes for the sufferings of the humanity and how to overcome them".

"His teachings on "Non Violence" were of universal significance and could be applicable in conflict resolution and on other issues relevant to humanity", he said.

Modern approaches of conflict resolution practised throughout the world, through "peaceful negotiations were perfectly in tune with the teachings of the Buddha that hatred could be overcome only by love and compassion and not by hatred", he added.

Achieving reconciliation and peace for a nation affected by a prolonged conflict of more than two decades, through 'non-violent' means required great patience, trust and confidence, he said. Noble Teachings of the Buddha on 'non-violence' compassion and love should be inculcated in the minds of the people of Sri Lanka.

Referring to the facilitators role of Norwegian government in the Peace Process, he said. "Since the inception of peace negotiations with the Norwegian participation, majority of the political leaders of the country including the former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, former Prime Minister and present Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe and the present President Mahinda Rajapakse kept confidence on Norwegian government on its role as a facilitator, he said.

All these leaders strived hard to establish lasting peace in Sri Lanka through negotiations". On behalf of his government and the people, he said that he had to be grateful for the important roles played on this cumbersome task.

"Sri Lanka could be considered as a unique country in the world where the followers of all the four important religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam were found living in harmony", he said.

"Despite the diversity of creeds, cultures, and ethnicity, majority of the Sri Lankans yearned for lasting peace in the country" he further said.

Referring to tsunami hit coastal villages of the country, he said that on his several visits to tsunami affected villages he had the opportunity to meet many families still grieving on the dead members of their families.

"Every effort should be made to improve the living conditions of these affected communities he said. Reconstruction and Rehabilitation activities were found in all tsunami devastated districts of the country".

"In addition to rehabilitate livelihood methods and material aspects of the tsunami affected, their spiritual aspects should also be revived he stressed. Realising the importance of this spiritual revival, all religious shrines damaged by tsunami, in every district of Sri Lanka had been identified for reconstruction and development with the participation of 'Dharma Shakthi National Committee and Foundation for Co-existence', he said.

He thanked all those including the Norwegian Government, its people Sri Lankan Government, President Mahinda Rajapakse, politicians, the monks, the villagers and the staff of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, for the successful completion of the project.

Ven. Baddegama Samitha Thera said, that his aim of contesting at the elections, was to join the Parliament and raise a voice in promoting reconciliation among the communities. He said he was never a "war-monger" and in order to prove that, as a parliamentarian of the opposition he spoke in support of the ceasefire agreement when it was brought in the parliament by former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe.

"For supporting the Ceasefire Agreement" certain sections of politicians launched a big campaign to defeat him", he said.

Amidst numerous criticisms of communal minded politicians, Royal Norwegian Government had been continuing in its endeavour to bring a negotiated settlement for the ethnic conflict he said. Erik Solheim was considered as a "Messenger of Peace" by the peace-loving people of Sri Lanka, he further said.

Galle district MP Wajira Abeywardena said that Solheim and the Norwegian Government had taken a bold step to resume the peace negotiants and protect the ceasefire agreement. He thanked Erik Solheim and the Norwegian government on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe.

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