Therefore, in 1993, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Baha'is co-operated in founding the Inter Religious Peace Foundation. During the past five years the services rendered by this organization were instrumental in bringing about a "novel" awakening, and in giving guidance to the people of Sri Lanka.

The main objective to be achieved through this organization is fostering co-operation in common and public affairs, while preserving the identities of individual religions. Another of its aims is to promote friendship and brotherhood among the clergy, to dispel suspicion and mistrust, and to foster respect for each other's religion. We hope to encourage people, whose minds are prejudiced and disturbed by the current tragic situation in Sri Lanka, to co-operate with one another and to develop such qualities as loving compassion, non-violence, and kindness.

Our organization has launched several special programmes, carried out throughout the island.One such programme is the Inter Religious Symposium, conducted on a district basis. So far, we are covering 12 districts. About 35 religious leaders from the denominations prevalent in these areas are participating. They are amicably discussing among themselves the basic philosophies of their religions, as well as ways and means of co-operation.

Another programme is directed at school children at the higher education level. It is called Ekamuthu Lanka, "United Sri Lanka." We explain the benefits of interreligious co-operation to groups of students numbering about 200 at each session. Per district there are two such meetings.

We are publishing Siyapatha, a bi-monthly Sinhalese newspaper, and Kamalam, a Tamil bi-monthly, to inform people about our services and to educate them by means of various articles.

Our organization, consisting of clergy from all religions, goes to all parts of the country, especially to the north and the east, and inquires into the welfare situation; it makes various donations, contributions, and distributions of clothes and food for the needy.

We also participate in lectures, conferences and discussions. Our latest objective is to force the leaders of the two main political parties to come to a consensus for ending the war in our country; we try to encourage also the people to use their power towards this purpose.

There is great satisfaction with the services of our organization which promotes co-operation between people in our country. We feel that such co-operation and unity is what also the whole world badly needs today. Co-operation can definitely bring about solutions to the many burning problems of our times.

The Ven. Pandit Madampagama Assagi Nayaka Thero is the co-ordinator of the Inter Religious Peace Foundation in Colombo, Sri Lanka.