Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

• Buddha did not recommend destroying or suppressing other religions in his teachings 

By Yohan Perera in Kinniya

New Democratic Front (NDF) Presidential Candidate Sajith Premadasa yesterday pledged to ban all forms of extremism in the country, but not to harm any religious or ethnic group under the pretext of doing so.   

Speaking during an election rally in Kinniya in the Trincomalee District, Mr. Premadasa said a government headed by him will not allow anyone to promote any form of extremism.  
“We will destroy terrorism but will not harm any religion or an ethnic group in the guise of doing it. We will not allow any form of extremism and ban such activities,” Mr. Premadasa said.  
“We will safeguard Buddhism but will also safeguard the rights of other religious groups in the country as well. Buddha did not recommend destroying or suppressing other religions in his teachings. Therefore we would work accordingly and will look after the people of other religions” he added.   Mr. Premadasa pledged to provide fishery equipment under a subsidized scheme and will relax laws pertaining to fishing in the seas outside Sri Lanka while ensuring the country’s security. Also he promised to resolve sanitary issues faced by the people in Kinniya.  

Minister Rishad Bathiudeen criticized Presidential Candidate M. L. A. M. Hizbullah saying his intention is to destroy Muslims and other communities. He said those Muslims in the Rajapaksa camp are extremists,”.   Minister Rauff Hakeem said this election would be a tussle between justice and injustice and people should see to it that justice 
emerge victorious.