An Inter-Religious Conference aimed at strengthening national unity in Sri Lanka was held on 4 October at the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Hall in Jaffna.
Organized by the Jaffna District Inter-Religious Council under the theme “Religious Values Guiding Us Toward National Unity,” the event was presided over by Council President Sivasri Krupananda Gurukkal. The conference featured keynote speeches, the release of a special publication, and cultural performances celebrating interfaith harmony.
Professor S. Srisatkunarajah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, attended as the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address.
Guest speakers representing major religions — Dr Ponnuthurai Chandrasekaran on Hinduism, Venerable Sannasgama Intharathana Thero on Buddhism, Ash-Sheikh Faleel Naleemi on Islam, and Rev. Fr. S.M.N. Selvaratnam of the OMI congregation on Christianity — shared reflections on the role of faith in promoting peace and unity.
Among the distinguished attendees were Dr Aruthirumurugan, Venerable Meegahajandurai Siriwimala Thero, Imam Al-Hafiz A.M. Razim Makki, Jaffna Government Agent Maruthalingam Pradeepan, Sivasena Leader Maravanpulavu K. Sachithananthan, Ven. Kongala Siri Dharma Thero, Imam Abdul Azeez Qasimi, and Mr. Jagan Perera, Chairman of the National Peace Council.
The event served as a platform for dialogue among religious leaders, emphasizing the unifying role of faith in fostering peace and national harmony in Sri Lanka.
