Mr. Chairman: Anyone who has visited Sri Lanka would have noted the preponderance of temples, covils, churches and mosques coexisting peacefully side-by-side with each other. The spirit of tolerance displayed among all the four major religions in Sri Lanka are seen in their close interaction, such as, within the Buddhist temple, for instance, where can be found many Hindu gods. There are even common [inaudible] sites like Adams Peak or Kataramaga, which are claimed by all the major religions, and where all worshipers meet freely. Therefore, we reject totally the allegation made by an NGO - Becket Fund - of any threat to religious diversity in Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, Mr. Chairman, if you look at the voluminous footnotes that accompanied the Becket Fund intervention, you would note a reference to the Supreme Court having permitted 178 organizations of various religions to be incorporated under Parliamentary legislation. Therefore, it is clear that the current procedure for incorporation is open, accessible, and there are no grounds for complaints. Mr. Chairman, since this violence against religious places of worship occur unfortunately all over the world, it should be blamed on misguided individuals, and not on any religion. Buddhism is a religion of peace. The government of Sri Lanka wishes to inform that any reported incidents of vandalism of religious institutions or attacks on religious representatives have been investigated by law enforcement authorities, and action taken to indict offenders under the normal police procedures. The government has also taken the special step to appoint a national advisory council, including leaders of all the major religions of Sri Lanka, in order to combat crime and promote tolerance and pluralism.