The Relevance of Interfaith Corporation to Peace and Development according to Buddhism Venerable Professor Kotapitiye Rahula Director Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka… is a land of freedom and tolerance Sri Lanka… is a land of freedom and tolerance. It was ranked the 3rd most religious country in the world by a 2008 Gallup poll, with 99% of Sri Lankans saying religion is an important part of their daily life. Proceedings of the Peradeniya Univ. International Research Sessions, Sri Lanka, Vol. 18, 4th & 5th July, 2014 http://www.pdn.ac.lk/ipurse/proceeding_book/SH/647.pdf

Decades ago in Sri Lanka we called for the Congress of Religions where all leaders gather together to discuss issues related to religious harmony and other social concerns. We have worked together on many occasions and become very close. Ven. Prof. Wimalarathana Thero Chancellor, University of Sri Jayawardanepura

Now that the civil war is over in our country, we need reconciliation programs. We don’t want war anymore. Poverty reduction is common ground. There is no Hindu poverty, Christian poverty, or Buddhist poverty. Poverty is poverty. Ven. Prof. Wimalarathana Thero Chancellor, University of Sri Jayawardanepura

Education is another common ground. Everyone needs education. In Sri Lanka we have common ground to seek religious tolerance and understanding. Ven. Prof. Wimalarathana Thero Chancellor, University of Sri Jayawardanepura

Ven. Prof. Rahula with Pope Francis

Ramachandran Kurukkal Barbu Sharma All religions promote good and are telling the truth. Under the guidance of religious leaders in Sri Lanka we get together often. We also join together for each other’s religious celebrations: Vesak, Ramadan, Christmas, and Diwali. Ramachandran Kurukkal Barbu Sharma

Ramachandran Kurukkal Barbu Sharma Now the war is over and we are settling down… Religious leaders are promoting this peace process. Little by little Sri Lankans are building up a happy environment here. Ultimately, we will bring a permanent peace to Sri Lanka. Ramachandran Kurukkal Barbu Sharma

Moulavi Al-Haj Abdul Samed In Sri Lanka we are living with other communities, going to their functions and celebrations. We are moving together with all the people. They are helping us, we are helping them. Moulavi Al-Haj Abdul Samed

Moulavi Al-Haj Abdul Samed To move from tolerance to common ground we need to study other religions and be part of other communities. We have to go on the right path. Moulavi Al-Haj Abdul Samed

In Sri Lanka we have already moved beyond tolerance In Sri Lanka we have already moved beyond tolerance. We respect each other and are friends. We are not trying to convert each other. We are brothers and sisters. Father Mervin Fernando

Religions do not need to be an obstacle to our understanding each other and relating to each other as human beings and as Sri Lankans. Father Mervin Fernando

Our nation is really blessed with many religions; we can learn from each other. Sri Lanka is becoming not only a model of religious understanding but a model of religious friendship. Father Mervin Fernando