JAFFNA, SRI LANKA, December 12, 2007: The World Religious Conference organized by the National Peace Council (NPC) began Wednesday in Jaffna’s Public library. It is attended by international religious dignitaries of various faiths and local representaives of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity. Participants in the conference are laying emphasis on peace through negotiation instead of war, in a unanimous voice. Japan special peace envoy for Sri Lanka Yasushi Akashi arrived in the afternoon and participated in the event. Also present were Nalloor Somasundara Bramachariya Swaamikal and the Catholic Bishops for Jaffna and South India.
The two-day religious conference, aiming to bring in peace in Sri Lanka, started with prayers, in a simple and calm atmosphere. Buddhist monks, Christian clergy, Hindu and Muslim clerics from several countries of the world worked together toward religious concord. The usual restrictions on movement and security checks by the Sri Lanka Army during events of this type taking place in Jaffna town were notably absent Wednesday, the sources added. However, only invitees were allowed to attend the conference.