No one, including both priests and laymen, is above the law, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

He expressed his sentiments at the Iftar ceremony which was held in the evening yesterday (22) at the Prime Minister’s official residence.

The Prime Minister stated that some Muslims had donated money to flood victims instead of holding the Iftar ceremony this year in light of the recent tragedy, and pointed out it was mostly the Sinhalese residents of remote villages who benefited from these contributions.

He also stated that Islam and Buddhism both preached about the importance of purifying the human mind and subsequently purifying the world, and added that both religions also encouraged avoiding verbal and bodily harm to others.

Furthermore, he also pointed out the importance of following one’s own religion whilst simultaneously respecting other religions.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe stated that no one could cultivate an impure mind and spread hatred, and subsequently hide behind the Dhamma.

He then proceeded to say that the Government was committed towards the religious reconciliation between Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity, and that the Rule of Law was a key factor in this process, which all religions accepted and were bound by.

The efforts taken by the Muslims towards developing the country, spreading peace, upholding the Rule of Law and strengthening democracy were also appreciated by the Prime Minister.