Iran to forge closer ties with Sri LankaAyatollah Ali Tashkiri

Iran will continue to expand its relations with Sri Lanka and hold inter-religious dialogues with leaders of various religions and beliefs, in order to eliminate misunderstanding, said Ayatollah Muhammed Ali Tashkiri, advisor to the Spiritual Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Ayatollah Ali Tashkiri who is presently in the country, told the Sunday Times that President Hassan Rouhani is determined to expand relations, as Sri Lanka has been supportive and a very close ally despite the sanctions. A Sri Lankan representative was in attendance at President Rouhani’s swearing in ceremony, while both President Rajapaksa and President Rouhani have had two meetings,” he said.

Ayatollah Ali Tashkiri who is also the Secretary General of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic School of Thought in Iran, said that sectarianism, extremism and separatism are affecting almost all religions and causing disturbances and pain.

“We see bloodshed and people suffering in the world. To go forward as a country, separatism, sectarianism and extremism should be removed. If followers of all the religions understand the teaching of their own religions, they will find peace, understanding and nonviolence as common values,” he said.

He said there is also a proposal to resume inter religious dialogues between Iran and other religious leaders including Sri Lankan and Thai Buddhist leaders.

Ayatollah Ali Tashkiri commenting on the relationship between Iran and the United States (US), said that his country is ready to remove walls of doubt.

“There is a strong doubt between Iran and the US and this needs to be worked out. Iran is prepared to sit for talks. In the case of Uranium enrichment, we are preparing to remove their concerns and promote the peaceful use of nuclear power. In a couple of weeks, Iran is hoping to meet members of the Security Council and remove their concerns,” he said.

Ayatollah Ali Tashkiri has authored about 50 books and 350 articles on Islamic ideology, history, economy and Islamic issues.

Iran is among the biggest buyers of Sri Lanka tea, recording a purchase of 37.3 million kilograms last year. The Republic of Iran also funds the US$ 500 million Uma Oya multipurpose development project.