Sajith Premadasa Calls for Dialogue to Address Rising Violence and Strengthen Social Cohesion

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that what should take place in Sri Lanka is not the killing of people, but creating an environment in which people can live safely. Referring to the shooting reported in the Baddegama area, he said such incidents should be considered both a law-and-order and national security concern, as well as a sign of social deterioration.

He said that when problems and conflicts arise, they should be resolved through discussion, dialogue and an exchange of ideas, following approaches used in developed societies.

Premadasa made these remarks while participating in a religious ceremony to lay the foundation stone for a Bodhi enclosure with a golden fence being constructed at the Sri Wijitharama Temple in Kotalawelapura, Ratmalana. A recent shooting in the Halpathota area of Baddegama resulted in two deaths, according to police reports.

He also said that Sri Lanka has 14,129 temples, 10,347 Dhamma schools, 824 Pirivenas and 327 Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandala divisions, and stated that what the country needs at present is not merely demonstrative Buddhism, but practical Buddhism.

He further said that the temple system should be developed, the Maha Sangha of the three Nikayas should be protected, and the Dhamma school system should be strengthened to promote religious education and help develop a generation of disciplined, civilised, enlightened and exemplary citizens.

He added that Dhamma schools can contribute to creating disciplined citizens in a free and independent country. He also said that temples in villages and cities, as well as places of worship belonging to other religions and cultures, contribute to the development of responsible citizens and should therefore be strengthened.