'Unsavoury elements try to destabilise country'

by Joseph Anthony, Dehiowita Spl. Cor.

Since President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his government cannot be defeated by democratic means, disgruntled, elements in the country and their chums abroad try to destabilise the country by creating religious and racial conflicts.

Religious leaders and the peace loving people should join hands to thwart such attempts said the President of the Religious organisation for National Unity and chancellor of Sabaragamuwa University, Prof. Ven. Kumburugamuwe Vajira Nayaka Thera. He was addressing a religious ceremony at Rambukkana Dharul Ulum Muslim MV to conclude the Ifthar fasting. Advisor to the president on Buddhist Affairs Ven. Galagama Dhammaransi Thera, Advisor to the President on Christian Affairs Rev. Fr. Sarath Hettiarachchi, Advisor to the President on Muslim Religious Affairs Moulavi Alhaj Hasan Moulana and Advisor to the president on Hindu Affairs Babu Sharma Kurukkal, participated.

The Nayaka Thera said that reactionary forces were attempting to destabilise the government and take the country back to the dark era. The recent communal disturbances in certain parts of the country could be a conspiracy by these forces.

Having realised that the government cannot be defeated through elections, these forces are conspiring to create unrest in the country and capture power.

The aim of every religion is to enlighten the people on the correct path. Religion teachers us to how one should extricate himself from evil and live a virtuous life. Prophet Mohammed was a great religious leader who faced enormous difficulties as he tought injustice.

All religious leaders including the Buddha preached love and compassion.

We suffered due to hatred and anger.

The President rescued us from such a calamity. The country is developing rapidly and those who cannot stomach progress try to disrupt development the nayaka Thera said.