Buddhist monks should take lead during issues faced by Sri Lanka, however they should not act in a manner that disturbs the peace, Minister of Public Relations Mervyn Silva said today. I will severely punish anyone who tries to incite racial hatred and disturb the peace in Sri Lanka, he added.
Speaking at a ceremony at the Madampalla Sri Wardanarama Temple in Katana, Silva claimed that monks should not speak in the manner of normal laymen adding that they should take up more exemplary conduct.
If tackling any national issue the Buddhist clergy should work together under the auspices of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, he claimed. He also stated that it was an insult to Buddhism when ‘groups’ segregate and start different discourses.
Speaking to the Muslims Mervyn stated that ‘Halal’ was not a feature of Lankan society in the past. Do not impose beliefs and practices on others and create unnecessary racial tension, Mervyn said.
