Srilanka

Extremist elements could be seen in every religion and every country and the religious leaders have a duty to act against them, Archbishop of Canterbury Most Reverend Justin Welby said yesterday.He made this observation when he met with the Mahayanake Theras of the Asgiriya and Malwatte Chapters of the Siyam Nikaya yesterday in Kandy.Archbishop Welby pointed out that modern communication tools have helped the spread of extremist ideas fast through the Internet, adding that this has become a severe problem.The Archbishop of Canterbury visited Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy and he was escorted to the Chamber of the Sacred Tooth Relic by Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara. Thereafter, the Archbishop of Canterbury called on Malwathu Chapter Chief Prelate Most Ven Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddartha Sumangala Thera and Asgiriya Chapter Chief Prelate Most Ven Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thera.

The construction works of the largest drinking water supply project in Sri Lanka by harvesting the rain water, was commenced under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena in Wadamarachhci, yesterday (30).This project was implemented under the guidance of the President to provide a sustainable solution to the drinking water issue faced by the people in Jaffna. The estimated cost of the project is Rs.02 billion.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby who is currently visiting Sri Lanka called on President Maithripala Sirisena Thursday (29) and appreciated the commitment of President to build peace and reconciliation in the country. The visit of the Reverend is a blessing to Sri Lanka said President Sirisena while thanking the Archbishop for taking time to visit the island.

The Election Commission has been informed of the Attorney Generalopinion regarding the parliamentary seat left vacant following the demise of Salinda Dissanayake, the AGCoordinating Officer said. The Elections Commission last week stated that steps were taken to seek the advice of the Attorney General regarding the nomination of a candidate to fill the vacant MP post.