Religious leaders take to the streets in Sri Lanka

(December 3, 2010) Religious leaders are instrumental in solving problems in society, say religious leaders at an interreligious peace rally organized by the Catholic Church’s social arm in Sri Lanka’s central province. “Religious leaders could play a pivotal role to bridge differences and create mutually useful relations,” said the leaders, who joined the silent peace walk organized by Caritas Kandy on Thursday to address issues in post-war Sri Lanka. With its theme, Social Justice and Sustainable Peace, the campaign drew the participation of Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim leaders as well as Tamil and Sinhalese local people in Màtale. After the silent walk on the main roads, a meeting was organized at the city hall. During the meeting, religious leaders individually said prayers and explained their respective doctrine on the issue of peace of mind, happiness, enlightenment and different states of consciousness through videos and stage plays. “The war is over, we are free now, so there shouldn’t be any hatred or violence among us. We must live as one family,” said Brammasiri Sri Warada Sarangam, a Hindu priest. “We must change ourselves and work with fellow religions,” added Magie None, a Buddhist woman. The 26-year Sri Lankan civil war between the majority Sinhalese government and ethnic Tamil minority ended in May 2009. Church centers have since taken post-war peace initiatives nationwide.