Seminar Summery- Peoples Unity Movement

NATIONAL UNITY SHOULD BE NATIONAL PRIORITY

Dr Nath Amarakone , President of the Peoples Unity Movement addressing the Seminar held at OPA Center said that most developing countries are going through a phase of instability in getting adjusted to self rule. It is imperative that the rulers thrown up by the democratic process consider the need to promote national unity between communities to have conflicting interests minimized.

Sri Lankan communities, notably Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim , with ethnic, religious and linguistic differences are alive to the dangers of reviving sectarianism, It is for this purpose that the Peoples Unity Movement wishes to focus on the need for revival of English as a common media of communication between the multi linguistic social groups. The Charter of the Peoples Unity Charter calls for (a) to changes the education policy of the country to teach all three accepted languages of the country at the primary level in all schools eliminating the ethnic divide existing in the present education system. (b) to give priority to introducing English in secondary education as it is a world language opening wider opportunities to those following higher education (c) to do away with ethnicity and religion based political parties as religion and ethnicity are sensitive issues, and politicking on such issues should not be permitted., and (d)  to ensure a national outlook to National Planning and eliminate political rivalry on national issues.

Rev Prof Kambupitiye Vajira, Chancellor of Sabaragamuwe University and President of All Religons Council spoke on the role played by religious leaders to bring Unity among diverse communities in this country. The Buddhists inherently are extremely cooperative in promoting Unity. A few misled self made spokesmen may attempt to arouse the sentiments of the majority. But this is easily stopped by clear policies of government. The Muslim leaders must hold a balance between their extremists.

Prof Carlo Fonseka welcomed the suggestion to unite all communities on the basis of a common tongue. The need for tolerance and understanding between diverse cultural groups across the globe is most pressing.

Rev Fernando, Principal St Anthony’s College, Wattala welcomed the move to unite all cultural groups by establishing a common lingua. He said that the Church has been of this view all the time and will support the teaching all three languages at the primary stage of school children.

Kurukkal Kathikesan of Murugan Kovil of Wattala pleaded for unity among the Buddhists, Hindu , Muslims and Christians in his area and extended his blessings to the Movement.

The President of Maulavis Association , Maulavi Mubaruk Abdul Majeed congratulated the Peoples Unity Movement for bringing forth a National Unity Charter at a time when some hidden forces are advocating division among different sectors.

Mr Ranjit Abeysekera, Coordinator of Peoples Unity Movement welcomed the guests who responded in large numbers to his invitation. Among the large congregation that participated in the Seminar were the Counselor of Indian Embassy, R Ravindra, Ambassador for France, Paul Monchau and Political Attache of the British Embassy Daniel Painter , President, President Elect and General Secretary of OPA.