COUNTRY’S CRIME RATE INCREASE, A MISCONCEPTION : GOTA
Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said statistically the rate of crimes in the country had not increased in proportion to the population increase, but methods used by the criminals were more atrocious than before.
It was a misconception that a wave of crimes was prevailing in the country and the rate of crimes was increasing by a large proportion, Mr. Rajapaksa said.
Addressing a gathering at the ceremony to declare Veherahena Purwarama Temple in Matara a sacred area he said the knife, the sword and the club used in the past have been replaced with hand grenades and T56s.
The ceremony was chaired by the Lekakadhikari of the Kotte Chapter of the Siamese Sect Prof. Kotapitiya Rahula Thera.
The Defence Secretary further said, “Much has been talked about a wave of crimes prevailing in the country. However, the IGP told me that it was a misconception and he statistically established his views.
“After years of military conflict, today we experience a religious renais-
Much has been talked about a wave of crimes prevailing in the country. However, the IGP told me that it was a misconception and he statistically established his views. After years of military conflict, today we experience a religious renaissance in the country
sance in the country. The large crowds that flocked to Anuradhapura during the Poson festival were a clear indication of the freedom enjoyed by the people to engage in religious activities.
“The Buddhists today have the opportunity to visit the temples in the Northern and the Eastern provinces as in the past. The temples that had been left to the mercy of the jungles or destroyed by terrorists are now being restored. Young men and women are today taking a keen interest in religious activities.
“Sri Lanka faced many a challenge throughout her history, but we have been able to overcome them. The Mahasangha, just as the security forces, was largely instrumental in our campaign to overcome many formidable challenges.”
The Chief Incumbent of the Veherahena Purwarama, Ven. Kegalle Rathanasasa, Malaysian Buddhist monk Ven. Malysiawe Mahinda, Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene and Deputy Minister Laxman Yapa Abeywardene attended the ceremony.