INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the significance of religious harmony for economic development, during a meeting with all
religious leaders of the Northern Province on Saturday (06 Jan.).Addressing the meeting held at the Jaffna District Secretariat today, the
Head of State expressed his intention to expedite the development program aimed at restoring the revenues lost during the war in the North
back to the region, highlighting the substantial role that religious leaders can play.President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during a
meeting with all religious leaders of the Northern Province at the Jaffna District Secretariat this morning (06 Jan.).The President outlined
plans to address challenges faced by temples and churches within the Northern Province under the purview of the security forces, adding that
possibility of constructing a larger temple than Nallur temple if desired by all religious leaders and guardians associated with Nallur
temple.Furthermore, he also affirmed his commitment to addressing issues within Christian churches, with a particular focus on promptly
resolving challenges encountered by the Madhu Church.The President noted that Muslims had vacated these areas during the war, and efforts
have been undertaken to facilitate their resettlement
Stressing the importance of unity beyond racial and religious divides, President Wickremesinghe urged the country to progress by
safeguarding the rights of all individuals.The President underscored the necessity for politicians and religious leaders to dedicate
themselves to preserving religious harmony in the Northern Province
religious rights of Northern Province residents and promote development, expressed gratitude for his consistent visits to address the
promotion of religious harmony.The Jaffna Inter Religious Council presented a set of proposals to President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the
interaction.The President assured that appropriate measures would be taken in response to the proposals, emphasizing that the initiatives
would be carried out under the Department of All Religions in a manner that upholds justice for all religions.Religious leaders,
Thera, the head of Jaffna Naga Vihara, commended the President for effectively meeting the challenge of nation-building
Jebaratnam the Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna,, underscoring that the Northern Province, stressed that once a fertile
region, is not undergoing development but rather redevelopment
He emphasized the complexity of building reconciliation, stating that it poses a greater challenge than both war and development.Shiva Sri
Kandaiya Kurukkal also conveyed blessings to the President, emphasizing the necessity of political determination to foster harmony and
prosperity across all communities
attended by various religious leaders, including Venerable Meegahajadure Sivimala Nayaka Thera from Naga Vihara, Rev
Jebaratnam the Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna, Rev
Shiva Sri Kandaya Kurukkal and Raleem Moulavee
Saman Ekanayake, Jaffna District Secretary Mr
Sivabalasundaran, President Trade Union Director General Mr
Saman Ratnapriya, and President Community Affairs Director General Mr
Rajith Keerthy Tennakoon were also present during the occasion.
