1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Ven. Prof. Rahula with Pope Francis

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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