A delegation from the National Defence College of Pakistan recently visited Sri Lanka on a foreign study tour. The Head of the delegation Brig. Rashid Siddique presenting a souvenir to Foreign Minister Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar when he paid a courtesy call on the minister.

Mutual respect for religions will promote national unity — A. H. M. Fowzie

"Mutual respect for the religious practices and beliefs of other religions will lead to national unity. Unfortunately due to the decline in national unity, ethnic conflicts has raised its ugly head" said A. H. M. Fowzie, Minister of Highways, participating in the Foundation stone laying ceremony for the rest room at Siddha Rankadu Paththini Devala at Kaduwela.

Minister Fowzie was attending this function as a Special Guest, while Mr. Karu Jayasuriya, Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku, Western Provincial Council Minister Mr. Hector Bethmage, Provincial Councillors Mr. Raja Balasuriya and Mr. Upali Kodikara also participated as Special invitees.

As large number of devotees daily visit this Devalaya, which is a historically important religious place for worship, the Rankadu Paththini Devala Poojopahara Committee and the Kaduwela Youth Organisation jointly made arrangements to construct the rest room for the benefit of the devotees.

Minister Fowzie further said, "Until and unless there comes a situation in which different communities could place their trust in each other, there cannot be peace in the country. President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga is very courageously making endeavours to establish peace in the country. The people should unite and strengthen the President’s hand to achieve this objective. We must all pray for the unity of the nation since our disunity has shaken the very foundation of the country’s economy and has placed increased burdens upon the people of the country.

Unfortunately nearly 10 percent of our national income has to be spent for military expenses. It is regrettable that when efforts are taken to bring about ethnic harmony chauvinistic forces are trying to kindle communal flames," he said.

"It is the duty of the rulers of the country to develop sacred religious places of worship which are respected with devotion by the people of the area".

The Minister said that he would extend all assistance to the development of the Kaduwela Devalaya in order to preserve the cultural features of the Devalaya activities.