All should unite to defeat terrorism - President

KALUTARA: President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared on Saturday that all should unite to defeat terrorism and bring peace to the country so that all communities could live in amity.

Participating in a religious ceremony at the Keththarama Kande Viharaya, Kalutara, President Rajapaksa said both religious and political leaders have a role to play in moulding a peace loving society.

The President observed that Buddhism spurred a socio-cultural revolution in Sri Lankan society. The temple has always played a central role in village life. The villagers had a special bond with the temple and the Maha Sangha.

He stressed the importance of places of worship of all religions becoming such focal centres to guide the younger generation on the correct path.

"Religious values should be practised by all. The Government has a duty to protect the lives of ordinary citizens. Terrorists have exploded bombs in buses killing innocent civilians. We must protect the people from terror. Unity is essential to defeat the designs of terrorists."

He warned against discord and rancour in the South, saying that could become a threat to the Nation.

The need of the hour is shedding all differences and uniting to bring peace. Our aim should be liberating this country from terror, he added.