Be one with the environment - Presidential Secretary on
Parliamentary Affairs
“An environment where man and beast can live free from the fear of
death should be created” said Presidential Secretary on Parliamentary
Affairs Kumarasiri Hettige.
He said President Mahinda Rajapaksa gave excellent leadership to free
the people of Sri Lanka from the fear of death after 30 years violence
caused by terrorists. “What is now left for us is to come forward to
build a non-violent society nourished by religious values,” he added.
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Presidential Secretary on Parliamentary Affairs Kumarasiri
Hettige freeing one of the heads of cattle. |
Hettige was speaking at an event on June 4 at the Sri Mayura Ashta
Lakshmi Ashram in Kataragama to free over 30 heads of cattle due to be
slaughtered. The cattle were presented to farmer families.
The event organized by veteran astrologer Chinata Wickremasinghe was
attended by philanthropists of the area.
Hettige said, “There is a great revival of Buddhism throughout the
country today. It should be reflected in one’s soul too. It is only then
that a society of loving kindness will emerge.
“There are a lot of religious rites conducted throughout the country.
There should be adherence to precepts also. The theme of the Sri
Sambuddhatva Jayanthi, “Let us be prepared with the precepts” has not
been fully understood by some. That is why they make merry even on great
days like Vesak and Poson.
“It is our duty and responsibility to save the youth from such
practices. A large number of animals are slaughtered for meat. The act
on the part of a group of Buddhists against this practice should be
appreciated. The fear of death is equally felt by man and beast. For 30
years, we lived with that fear,” he said.
“We cannot forget how thousands of innocent people were killed by
terrorists. How painful was the wailing of victims in those incidents?
It is the same wailing that we hear in animal slaughter too. Animals too
should have the right to life just like man. We should love the
environment. We should be one with the environment. My fervent wish is
to see a society with hearts full of loving kindness and compassion”,
Hettige said.
Chief Incumbent of Sri Ratnarama Temple, Lunugamvehera Ven
Galapitagala Premarathana, Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha chairman Chanaka
Amil Rangana, astrologer Chinta Wickramasinghe and SSP Indu Karunaratne
also spoke on the occasion. |
