'Ethics vital for social stability'

http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/09/25/news33.asp

'Ethics vital for social stability'
Priyanka KURUGALA
The inauguration ceremony of seminar on Rituals, Ethics and Societal Stability of South Asian Association For Regional Cooperation (SAARC) commenced under the patronage of National Heritage and Cultural Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi at the Ceylon Continental Hotel on Thursday.
The SAARC Cultural Centre of Sri Lanka organized this first event. It will be held until September 25.
Addressing the first meeting of the session, National Heritage and Cultural Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said, as members of the SAARC region we are the inheritors of most diverse region on earth.
"We practise various forms of rituals in various ways," she said.
"It is extremely important to recognize and promote the contribution of these rituals and ethics towards societal stability. This process is not only to protect our heritage but also to achieve sustainable, holistic socio -economic development in the region."
This is an opportunity to identify the components of rituals and ethics in member countries.
It is a good opportunity to promote the regional spirit among countries as well as globally, she said.