The Minister of Mass Media and Health, Dr. Nalin de Jayatissa, says that the government is committed to release the lands of the Tamil people in accordance with security plans in a way that does not pose a threat to the security of the area. The government will not allow any religious and populist conflict to arise from the release of those lands or construction on those lands. You know that this government has received a special mandate and therefore necessary steps have been taken to protect unity and reconciliation, the Minister said.

He said this while responding to a question raised by journalist Shantha Wijesuriya of the Lanka Sky News at a news conference held at the Polhengoda Government Information Department in Kirulapone yesterday (04) morning.

Journalist’s question

A serious issue has risen regarding the Tissa Temple in Jaffna. You and I know that after the war, temples and sanatoriums were forcibly built on the lands of the Tamil people. There is an allegation that the Tissa Temple was built on lands belonging to 14 Tamil people. Sinhala nationalism on one side and Tamil nationalism on the other are stirring up religious and nationalist provocations through this issue.When the President attended the Jaffna District Committee, when this issue was raised within the Committee, it is reported that the President evaded the question. This situation could pave the way for communalism again after 26 years of war. Although former President Maithripala Sirisena and your government have released some of the lands of the Tamil people, the army has occupied them and the army is still holding them. If temples are being built by force on lands that the army seized during the war, it is a serious situation. These temples are being built in the homeland of the Tamil people. It is not a job done by ordinary Sinhalese or Tamil Buddhists. It is a job done entirely with the intervention of the military. The President said that all religions and races will be treated equally. Now the government should intervene and resolve this issue. Can you explain the government’s position on this matter?

He further said:

Accordingly, a significant amount of money has been allocated in this year’s budget. Some of them are solutions that have a more tangible impact than money.

Again, extremist ideologies based on religion or race will not be allowed to rise anywhere and everyone will be united as Sri Lankans. It is hoped to launch Sri Lankan Day in November or October. The government will respond to all incidents that hinder national unity.