A group of religious leaders today urged the country’s masses not to be deceived by any false rumors and to work towards establishing peace in Sri Lanka, in the wake of recent religious clashes and unrest.  

As religious leaders we always work with great effort towards building peace, coexistence and unity between all races in order to transform the country into a peaceful one and thereby reach prosperity, said Ven. Professor Kumburugamuwa Vajira Thero of the Inter Religious Organisation for National Unity.

“However, unfortunately certain groups, challenging our wishes, are attempting to destroy this unity, tranquility and coexistence,” he told reporters in Colombo.

He stated that the events which unfolded in Aluthgama and Beruwala are the latest incidents of these attempts and called for an immediate stop to anymore blood spill.

We have experienced the destruction caused by racial hatred and religious hatred for a period of over 30 years and are used to the tears, blood spilled due to it, he said.

“That is why we have advised the people against these actions, then and now.”

Pleading for the public to understand the prevailing situation and the consequence, the Vajira Thero asked them not to be deceived by rumors and to make attempt to establish peace in the country. 

“If someone commits a wrongdoing, don’t go seeking vengeance,” he urged, while asking the country’s Buddhists to follow the teachings of Lord Buddha.  

“A wrong is a wrong no matter who did it and the government should appropriately punish those wrongs,” he said.

The Thero stated that the country belongs to every citizen and that the rights of every one of them should be protected.

“We do not accept that this country only belongs to the Sinhalese or only to Buddhists. This country belongs to everyone who lives in it,” he expressed.