We must act wise and establish peace, harmony - Patali

It is our responsibility to act wisely and not arouse public to create hostility among ethnic groups in the country, but to create peace and security, the Minister of Megalopolis and Western Province Development Patalie Champika Ranawaka said yesterday.

Participating at the vesting of the Sooriyawewa Weekly Fair with the public, he said that one should comprehend the strategies of the terrorists. What they wanted is to build up a cadre more than 8000. That is their aim. If we act in a manner which would benefit them they would be the winners.

The Minister warned that if people resort to attack the Muslim people and destroying their properties or carrying out attacks on their Mosques posing off as heroes, it is the terrorist who will gain from our actions and added that it is those fake heroes who attempt to create a situation for the terrorists to increase the numbers in their cadres. He further stated that everybody must realize the gravity of resorting to violence and creating sporadic incidents and think wisely.“ours is an intelligent nation and we should think of the future. It is now very clear to everyone.”

He also said that one should use his position as an MP or in any other capacity to create tension but to dispel fear.there are some who attempt to propel fear psychosis among the masses, preventing children from attending schools and spread rumours to frustrate those engaged in business activities. We should hold a peaceful Wesak this time. Every household should be turned into a Wesak Zone. In addition, we should render our fullest cooperation and assistance to the security sections to uphold peace. We should realize that they have the skills to root out the remaining terror outfits, he observed.

He said that Madrasas were a completely different world targeting the Muslim youth. “There was a report that in Hambantota too they had a training camp to enroll Muslim youth. While recognizing the Muslim identity, we request them to continue to pray five times a day facing Mecca, but as Sri Lankans, they should stand firmly on Sri Lankan soil. First we all should feel that we are Sri Lankans,” Mr. Ranawaka asserted.