President Maithripala Sirisena stated that one philosophy of a religion should not suppress another religious philosophy. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 16th Benedict higher education centre in Negambo, he said that the government is committed to protect all the religions of the country.

The Benedict Higher Education Centre was built with the funds of Italian Bishops Conference. The Centre has facilities to offer English, Information Technology and foreign language classes to students who have completed Ordinary Level, Advanced Level examinations as well as to the employed people.

The President further stated that there is nothing more beneficial than great religious philosophies to heal the society that is failing due to the commercialization. He said that it is a responsibility of everybody to use self knowledge, intellect and experience not only for each other’s personal life but also for the well being of the entire human society.

He unveiled the plaque and took a tour of the 16th Benedict Higher Education Centre. To symbolize his presence at the Centre, the President planted a sandalwood sapling.

The occasion was graced by His Eminence Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Former Archbishop his eminence Oswald Gomis, President of the Italian Bishops Conference, His Eminence Angelo Cardinal Bagnaco and Fathers,  Speaker of the Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, Minister Lakshman Kiriella and Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.