Sri Lankan expats living abroad should not be misled by false propaganda carried out by social media and several websites regarding the country’s current situation, President Maithripala Sirisena said in New York.
The President made these remarks while participating at a felicitation function for Most Venerable Kurunegoda Piyatissa Thera of the New York Buddhist Vihara on September 23. A large crowd including members of the Sri Lankan Expatriate Community in New York participated at the occasion.
“I request all Sri Lankans living overseas not to be misled by false propaganda. The government is committed to ensuring freedom and democracy in the country. We have declared 2017 as the Year for Poverty Alleviation,” the President added. The President stated that Social Media and several websites are spreading false information that the government is dividing the country and the foremost place given to Buddhism would be removed from the Constitution. The President pledged to protect the country’s sovereignty and Buddhism.
President Sirisena urged Sri Lankans to be united to rebuild the country irrespective of religious and ethnic differences in the post-war period.
Meanwhile, the President appreciated the yeomen services rendered by Buddhist monks to propagate Buddhism. He said he got to know that there are about 72 temples in the United States. Religious leaders and devotees representing Hindu and Islamic faiths were also present at the religious function.