The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera

¶ 01 Sir, this is the Ramazan season and it is important that we discuss an issue here. I saw the Cardinal on media once again. When you clearly observe the Easter attack, you understand that there is some fundamental misunderstanding, an error of judgement. That is why, from time to time, he comes and gives statements.

¶ 02 As I said earlier, in truth our culture receives its greatest religious influence from Buddhism.

¶ 03 Sir, Buddhism, as you know, does not compete with any other religion. If you take Islam, Christianity or Judaism, they are competitive religions in the world, unfortunately, as much as you and I would love to see religions not competing with each other. The Bible, the Quran and the Torah believe in the same God, but the Messengers in them are different. In our case, Buddhism does not compete with any other religion. Therefore, we should use the full potential of that opportunity to build an inclusive nation so that we could give an example to the rest of the world. If we have made mistakes for various reasons, we have got to correct them; for sure, I agree. So many politicians are responsible for that, I agree; political parties are responsible for that, I agree. But, that does not mean that we must continue to make the same mistakes.

¶ 04 In that context, Sir, I must say this. We are all running behind a mastermind. I too studied at a Catholic school, but half my class were Muslim brothers. I am a person who comes from that multicultural background. I know that fine cultural fabric very well. However, all of us together are looking for this mastermind. We must remove the obstacle to creating the Sri Lanka we aspire to. Among our Muslim people there is a correct reading about the background to the Easter Sunday attacks. Sir, I associate very closely with them; I am a friend of your community. That is why I say we will not move forward, not even one inch, if we are not going to agree on this. In that context, I take this opportunity to bring up that point for discussion. If we, for political reasons, always try to seize on a mastermind, the bond among religions and ethnicities in our country will disappear; without understanding religious sensitivities, we will only fall into a pit.

¶ 05 Sir, nevertheless, I must also state this at this moment. Among other matters, this new Government is trying to bring about a cultural and religious awakening. Just as with the Sacred Tooth Relic exposition, there is to be a display of the Sarvagna Relics with State patronage, commencing from Kelaniya. Because, respecting other ethnicities and religions, we must also provide State patronage to those respective cultural activities as well. Sir, the Ramazan festival is just around the corner. I think they can sponsor a big Iftar function for all of us so that it would be appreciated. Do proceed in that manner.

¶ 06 Sir, after making a speech here, I do not have time to remain continuously in the House. We have many duties in our Party. But after I stand up and leave, attacks come at me from here and there. I say, if you must attack me, do so in a dignified manner. Sir, if they are going to bring actors into this Parliament to stage performances and attack me, then at least bring a good actor to do it. Thank you for the time given; I will conclude.