PM pledges peace for Muslim community

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday assured the Muslim community that the Sri Lankan Government would continue to respect all religions and work to ensure peace and harmony in the country. 

Addressing representatives of the Muslim community during an Ifthar ceremony organised at Temple Trees, he highlighted the similarities between the two religions and praised the community for its patience in dealing with the existing religious tensions in the country. 

“During the floods many Muslim people donated their Ifthar money to victims, especially Sinhala Buddhist people in the villages who had lost their homes. This is a point that we have to remember and be grateful for. Islam believes that people of different faiths can live together and the same can be said of Buddhism,” he said. 

He also insisted that Buddhism leaves no space for the spread of hate as the Buddha has clearly stated that a person who fills their mind with hate has removed himself from the teachings of Buddhism and a mind that is filled with hatred cannot develop itself to reach the end of rebirth. 

“We are dedicated to promoting peace and harmony in Sri Lanka. We will promote the law while bringing people together. That is the best way for a country to achieve true peace,” he added.