PHM-Exch> [PHM News] PHM Sri Lanka

[Claudio Schuftan]

*PEOPLES' HEALTH MOVEMENT*

*SYMPOSIUM ON RELIGIOUS RECONCILIATION FOR PEACE*



The Peoples' Health Movement (PHM) and Womens' Action for Social Justice
jointly held the above Symposium on Thursday, 13 February 2014 in Colombo.  It
was very well attended and carried on in a successful manner.



It was explained why we thought of holding such a Seminar and informed that
Sri Lanka is presently undergoing disturbances for religious harmony.  It
was informed that we, belonging to a Movement working for Peace, it is of
utmost importance that we intervene in this situation.



Sirimal Peiris of PHM took the Chair and explained the objectives of this
Symposium and stated that some places of worship of minority religions  have
been attacked by extremists over the past few months.  He mentioned that
the expectation of all religions is Peace, but there have been many
instances that the mere idea of Peace is shattered in the very name of the
religion.  He further stated that this situation cannot be allowed with the
real meaning of Compassion in Buddhism, Love from Hinduism, Brotherhood
from Islam and Love and Peace from Christianity.   The above mentioned 4
elements are the main themes for Social Reconciliation.  He stressed  that
we must not allow to destroy the valuable religious teachings learnt from
each of our respective religions.  Within the society, there will be social
disharmony from hatred, suspicion, forcefulness and disrespect etc.  It was
mentioned that in order to avoid a conflict situation in the country, an
inter-religious dialogue of this nature is organized and hence it is our
objective to enter into a healthy dialogue for religious harmony and peace
among all religions.



A Roman Catholic Priest/ Scholar  was then invited to address the gathering.
In his address, he mentioned that he can introduce human beings as animals
and said that they get civilized by way of sports, art and religion.  Sports
develop each one's personality, art helps to appreciate and religion gives
us spiritual expectations.  Today, all these three  attributes have got
polluted and how religions can be purified is one of the major  problems
facing us.



A prominent Islam preacher explained the religious harmony prevailed among
the Buddhists and the Muslims some time back in his village.  He informed
that the land of about 4 Acres to build the Mosque in his village was
donated by a Sinhala Buddhist person.  He also mentioned that the access
road leading  to the village Buddhist temple was donated and re-laid by a
Muslim.  Therefore, it is evident that a healthy religious harmony was
prevalent those days.  Hence, this type of dialogue is of paramount
importance to bring back a harmonious situation in the country among all
religions.



 The Co-Chairman of Inter-Religious Organization was then invited to
address the gathering and he informed that religious harmony among other
religions have been taught in Buddhism which is great and meaningful.
Listening to  views of the others were one of Lord Buddha's teachings and
he stated that the biggest problem in today's society is people do not
practice a religion.    Buddhists should not have any fear and complex
about other religions as the Buddhist Priests are the leaders of Sri Lankan
society.  No one cannot damage Buddhism, but Buddhist teachings has to be
followed.  Therefore, by way of this we can achieve and establish religious
reconciliation and harmony.



If we have to respect each one's identity and also listen to other's ideas
and views.  Religion should not be an invasion and bring on freedom.



After that a period of dialogue was opened to the gathering.  Everybody who
spoke emphasized the need to carry on the ideas they have acquired from
this Dialogue in their respective areas in order to bring about religious
reconciliation and peace.



Activists who are engaged in social harmony from many districts of Sri
Lanka were present.  The proceedings of the dialogue was done both in
Sinhala and Tamil Languages by giving simultaneous translations.  Required
facilities were provided by Sarvodaya and Savisthri.  The meeting was
conducted by Rev. Sr. Noel Christine.





Sirimal Peirs

PEOPLES' HEALTH MOVEMENT

SRI LANKA



15 February 2014
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