THERE has been no signing of a memorandum with the Jathika Hela Urumaya in respect of religion, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said Friday.

"Information has been received that leaflets are being distributed carrying information to say we have signed such agreements. This is false," said UPFA Presidential candidate Prime Minister Rajapaksa.

Addressing a public rally in Jaela, he said: "I have been informed that a leaflet circulated in the country has stated that the Prime Minister has agreed with the JHU demand in respect of other religions. There is no truth in this at all".

"I am a Buddhist by birth. I have attended Daham pasala from my young days. We have been brought up with some sort of discipline. We learn to respect other religions and other ethnic groups. I want to emphasize that there will be no room under my Presidency to harass those following other religions," Rajapaksa said.

"People have the right to embrace, adhere, practice any religion of his choice and our Constitution guarantees that. No law can take away that right or put a stop to such freedoms," the Prime Minister said.

Rajapaksa also stressed the importance of bringing up children in a religious atmosphere and moulding their character with religious backing.

Rajapaksa said the proposed Bill on religious conversions was not a work of his Government and of his party.

"It was prepared by W. J. M. Lokubandara as Buddha Sasana Minister of the UNF government. Although he has openly accepted that he was the architect of the proposed draft, some try to credit that to our Government. I have already articulated my position on religion."