World Religious Conference begins in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 12 December 2007, 16:14 GMT]
The World Religious Conference promoting peace organized by National Peace Council (NPC) began Wednesday around 9:00 a.m in Jaffna Public library attended by International religious dignitaries of various faiths and local personages representing Hindu, Buddhist, Islam and Christian religions, Jaffna sources said. Participants in the conference laid emphasis on peace through negotiation instead of war, in a unanimous voice. Japan Special Peace Envoy for Sri Lanka Yasushi Akashi arrived in the afternoon and participated in the event.

The two-day religious conference, aiming to bring in peace in Sri Lanka, started with prayers, in a simple and calm atmosphere.

Buddhist monks, Christian clergy and Bishops, Hindu and Muslim clerics from several countries of the world and Sri Lanka took part in the conference.

Jaffna Catholic Bishop, Rt. Rev. Thomas Soundaranayagam, Nalloor Somasundara Bramachariya Swaamikal, South Indian Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. Daniel S. Thiyagarajah from Jaffna peninsula participated in the conference.

The religious leaders and representatives of humanitarian organizations, taking part in the conference and prayers, made use of the occasion to give talks as well as engage in discussions with other participants and representatives.

The usual restrictions on movement and security checks by the Sri Lanka Army during events of this type taking place in Jaffna town were notably absent Wednesday, the sources added.

However, only invitees were allowed to attend this conference.

Chronology: