Abstract:
God has revealed himself in many different ways and this has given rise
to various religious traditions. The principal function of religion is to be a link
(re+ligare) with God. However, in the history of the world, the religions have
deviated from this noble purpose. The present world order with its
conflicts, violence, injustice, discrimination, anti-life concepts and unjust
practices raises the fundamental question: “Are the religions contributing to
human wellbeing and harmony or have they given rise to various forms of
extremism and violence that will eventually destroy the world?” Sri Lanka, a
small island-nation, contains four religious traditions existing side by side
and, therefore, provides an opportunity to explore how interfaith dialogue
and collaboration can contribute to the harmonious coexistence of a multi-
religious society. This article discusses the ground reality of religious
plurality in Sri Lanka and concludes that religious plurality can provide
an opportunity for coexistence among religious traditions.
