President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the foremost responsibility of any government is to look after the people and that the Government has already begun fulfilling this duty by ensuring that all economic benefits achieved as a nation flow to the people and society at large.
The President made these remarks yesterday afternoon (27) while attending the launch of the national programme ‘Godanagamu Adishtanaye Sanhindiyawa’ (Let Us Build a Covenant of Resolve), aimed at reconstructing religious places of worship across the island that were damaged by the Cyclone Ditwah, with the programme being inaugurated in the Matale District. The event was held at the historic Kawatayamuna Purana Rajamaha Vihara.
“Temple Renovation Programme Launched in Matale under President’s Patronage”
The President emphasised that the country must be developed not only economically but also socially and culturally and stressed the need to create a new renaissance across all sectors to restore moral and ethical values that are gradually eroding within society.
Highlighting the importance of re-establishing the link between villages and religious institutions, the President further stated that the Government will fulfil its responsibility to ensure the protection and safeguarding of all religious places of worship.
President Dissanayake also noted that, alongside the reconstruction of religious institutions island-wide, damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, a programme has been formulated to provide government assistance for the development of selected religious places of worship in rural areas that are facing economic hardships and other difficulties.
Located about nine kilometres from Matale town, between the Matale–Dambulla main road and the Matale–Galgamuwa road, the historic Kawatayamuna Rajamaha Vihara is a highly venerated Buddhist temple held in great esteem by Buddhists across the country as well as by foreign devotees.
As a result of Cyclone Ditwah, 51 religious places of worship in the Matale District sustained full or partial damage. Symbolising the commencement of reconstruction and renovation work at these sites, restoration activities at the Kawatayamuna Purana Rajamaha Vihara were formally inaugurated under the patronage of the President.
The event was attended by the Mahanayaka Theras of the Matale Maha Disava, Most Venerable Mahalakotuwe Wimaladhamma Nayaka Thera of the Siyam Nikaya Malwathu Chapter and the Most Venerable Kosgolle Seelaratana Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter, as well as the Most Venerable Mugunuwela Anuruddha Thera and the Chief Incumbent of the Kawatayamuna Rajamaha Vihara and All-Island Justice of Peace, the Most Venerable Udumulle Sumana Nayaka Thera, together with members of the Maha Sangha of the region.
Also present were Sil Mathas, other religious leaders, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister, Gamagedara Dissanayake, Central Province Governor, Professor S.B.S. Abeykoon, Members of Parliament Sunil Biyanwila, Dinesh Hemantha and Deepthi Wasalage, other public representatives of the province, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, W. P. Senadheera, the Matale District Secretary, Divisional Secretaries, state officials and a large number of local residents.
(PMD)
