Feb 08, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government said it has taken measures to prevent the escalation of religious disharmony in the country.

Leader of the House, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told parliament that the government has taken steps to set up inter religious committees covering over 100 local government bodies to discuss issues related to religious disharmony.

He stressed that the government would not tolerate any moves to incite feelings against any particular religion or race.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Wednesday (06) met with the chief monks from all the Buddhist Nikayas (Sects) at the Temple Trees to consult them for building national and religious harmony in the country and discussed the need to avoid conflict among people based on religion.

The President assured that the government, while ensuring religious freedom for all communities by enhancing interreligious harmony and tolerance, is always duty bound to safeguard and foster Buddhism.