World Hindu Conference begins in Colombo today

[May 2, 2003 - 10.45 GMT]

The second World Hindu Conference bearing the theme “Dharma and the Quest for Peace” began today at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo.  

The five-day conference was launched by President Chandrika Kumaratunga and will end at Nuwara Eliya on Tuesday May 6, where Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will officiate.  

In her opening message to mark the event the President Kumaratunga said “Buddhism and Hinduism have co-existed throughout the past millennia. Over a period of time, our people had learnt to maintain the core values unique to each religion while following shared values common to both religions”. 

Referring to the secularism Sri Lanka enjoys the President said, “In a multi-cultural society, the nation embraces all ethnic groups…it is my fervent hope that the proceedings of the Conference would lead to propagating such values and foster religious and racial harmony amongst all communities in Sri Lanka”. 

Delegates, observers, and artistes from all parts of the world are in Colombo to participate at the conference organised by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Hindu Religious Affairs. 

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Last Updated Date: May 02, 2003  - 10.45 GMT.