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Last Updated : 2024-04-23 16:21:00
23 November 2016 06:13 am - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The government is to initiate a dialogue among various ethnic and religious groups in the country to ease the tension between such groups.
Minister of Justice and Buddhasasana, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe told journalists that all ethnic and religious groups were welcome to participate in the dialogue.
He said various groups, including the Bodu Bala Sena and Ravana Balaya, had agreed to participate in the effort to resolve issues through dialogue. “The agreement was reached at a meeting I had with members of the Bodu Bala Sena and other groups in the Parliamentary Complex," he said.
However, he said, specific issues were not discussed, as the focus was on the creation of a platform to resolve the issues.
Referring to the statement he made in Parliament recently, that some Sri Lankan Muslims had joined ISIS, he said he was referring to Sri Lankans who had joined the group in the past and not to recent events.
He said the government wanted legislation against hate speech, which was already an offence under the penal code, upgraded to international standards. However, he said, it had to be stopped -- as those who wanted hate speech laws said upgrading the law was not necessary.
Bodu Bala Sena general secretary, the Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera, said his organisation and the Sasanarakshaka Mandalaya as a whole would be engaged in a dialogue to try and resolve all issues in the future. "We trust the suggestion made by the minister," he said.
“Resolving issues through dialogue is the path shown by Buddha and we will take it," he said. (Yohan Perera)
dev Wednesday, 23 November 2016 08:33 AM
Good move by the govt...
Lawry Wednesday, 23 November 2016 08:50 AM
Anyone spreading hatred in the name of religion should be punished. In the pretext of being religious dignitaries if they spew derogatory, filthy words it tells on the noble principles of the religion.
Sangaralingham Wednesday, 23 November 2016 10:03 AM
Irrespective of name titles positions uniform all individuals with comments of hate disrespect rude behaviour in all walks of life in positions of power under investigations in schools public places must be charged detained given educational classes and fined. If repeated must undergo psychiatric or psychological assessment to rule out mental disorder. UN educated under educated must be more need for rehabilitation as most do not understand or ill informed of legality of these hate dpeeches
Adney Wednesday, 23 November 2016 10:26 AM
As a Sri Lankan i welcome this move to eradicate the Religious Extremism in this country, and please take this country to International level.
rasheed Wednesday, 23 November 2016 10:45 AM
Appointing Wolf to look after the sheep.
OMG Wednesday, 23 November 2016 10:59 AM
It is a good move by yahapalanaya. Let it be a fair and peaceful dialogs. Not like a parliament shoutings. Respect each others discussions. Justice to be neutral.
das Wednesday, 23 November 2016 11:11 AM
Also bring in one common law for all. Ban archaic systems which encourage barbaric practices like child marriage, subordinate status for women, animal torture and sacrifice etc. We have heard enough of opportunists and sadists torturing wome, children and other living creatures being afforded protection by freedom of religion.
Patriot Wednesday, 23 November 2016 12:03 PM
Please publish the contents of letterfrom Gnanasara to Ven. Mahanayakeof Malwatte Chapter. via DM Android App
Johan Wednesday, 23 November 2016 02:39 PM
These are only stories when we look back sri lankan historyNo body could do anything unless some serious things happen and then politicians are mouths are opened.Nice to listen but never will materialise
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