Madduma Bandara says Santhigiri can spread world peace

Minister for Public Administration Ranjith Madduma Bandara says Santhigiri, a world renowned spiritual and pilgrim centre in India, could spread the message of peace in a world torn apart by hatred and violence.

The Minister said this at an event held at Santhigiri in?Thiruvananthapuram in India.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Navoli Jyothirdinam, held in connection with the 18th anniversary of the samadhi of Karunakara Guru, in?Thiruvananthapuram, The Hindu newspaper reported.

Bandara said Santhigiri could be the door to peace in the world. Karunakara Guru?s messages were very similar to that of Buddhism.

C. Divakaran, MLA, presided over the function. Sri Lankan Minister for Industries Daya Dharmapala Gamage, Minister for Petroleum Anoma Gamage, provisional council member Chandra Kithsiri Kahatapitiya, and Kataragama church chief incumbent Don Kumarage were the chief guests.

Kottayam diocese Metropolitan Thomas Mar Themotheus, Ashramam organising secretary Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi, Ashramam general secretary Swami Chaitanya Jnana Thapaswi, and former Deputy Speaker Palode Ravi were present.

Later, inaugurating the valedictory, Minister for Cooperation Kadakampally Surendran said Karunakara Guru had enriched the cultural arena. Santhigiri had become a symbol of secularism. There was no religion or caste here.

Its contribution to the State?s renaissance movement was valuable. At a time when peace and quiet were lacking, Santhigiri had become a place of shelter. District panchayat president V.K. Madhu presided. (Colombo Gazette)