Buddhism teaches us nonviolence and co-existence: Rajitha

Health Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Minister Rajitha Senaratne said Buddhism would not allow violence and suppression of other communities and that our culture was based on non-violence.

Addressing a meeting of the Health Ministry staff he said King Dutugemunu who defeated King Elara in Anuradhapura ordered his army and his ministers to pay due respect to the deceased king and not to do any harm to the Tamils living there. He pointed out that

However innocent Tamil people should have the right to enjoy freedom. They are not terrorists. Patriotism is required to defeat the enemy and not to victimize innocent people.

King Dutugemunu set an example on how to bring about reconciliation.

“I will not say that Prabhakaran who was a terrorist deserves respect. Terrorism should be wiped out and the government will not allow terrorism to raise its ugly head again. However innocent Tamil people should have the right to enjoy freedom. They are not terrorists. Patriotism is required to defeat the enemy and not to victimize innocent people. Nearly 16 members including me supported Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government when a conspiracy was being hatched to defeat the budget in 2007. We gave strength to the then government to crush terrorism. It is sad that the patriots have forgotten it. However his government failed to protect the rights of innocent civilians. The opposition should keep in mind that all civilians have a right to live in peace and harmony,” he said