Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government is undertaking a significant effort to lead the country towards a new transformative era, and that the guidance, advice, and support of members of the Maha Sangha and religious leaders, who carry out extensive social service for the people, are of immense importance to this endeavour.
The Prime Minister made these remarks March 01 at the Buttala Cultural Centre while attending the ceremony to present the Sannas Pathra to Venerable Gangodagama Wimalarathana Nayaka Thero, who was conferred the title of Sanghanayake of the three regions of Uva, Wellassa, and the Eastern.
The Prime Minister presented the Sannas Pathra to the newly appointed Chief Prelate of the Uva Amarapura Maha Nikaya. The Governor of Uva Province, Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, presented the ceremonial Vijinipatha to the newly appointed Nayaka Thero.
Extending the felicitations to the newly appointed Sanghanayake Thero, the Prime Minister further stated:
The Uva Province is renowned for producing generations of Bikku who have rendered significant service to the Sasana and to the nation. Our Nayaka Thero has followed that noble path. Throughout his more than 60 years of monastic life, he has rendered invaluable service to the people of this region, not only through the Dhamma but also through his knowledge of Ayurveda and traditional medicine.
As a deputy teacher, Pirivena head, and school principal, he has served in the field of education across various parts of the country, contributing significantly to nurturing the younger generation through his knowledge and guidance.
In particular, he has taken the initiative to provide financial assistance and other necessary facilities to underprivileged students in this province from Grade 6 up to university education. He has consistently extended support to those in need and established Dhamma schools to enhance the religious knowledge of children in the area. These social services, carried out under his leadership, guidance, and dedication, deserve special recognition at this moment.
As a new Government, we are undertaking a significant amount of efforts to lead this country towards a new transformative era. The guidance and support of religious leaders such as Venerable Thero, who are devoted to broad social service for the people, are of great importance in this endeavor.
Moreover, the cyclone Ditwah had left a severe impact on Uva Province, particularly the Badulla District. We are now in a period of gradually recovering from those hardships and rising stronger.
I am confident that Your Venerable Thero, having been bestowed with the esteemed position of Sanghanayake, will be able to serve as a source of strength to the people of Uva, Wellassa, and the Eastern region who are rebuilding their lives, many of whom endured immense suffering, including the loss of loved ones due to that disaster.
The occasion was presented by the Deputy Chief Prelate of the Uva Chapter of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Venerable Wathupitiye Gnanananda Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Mailagasthenna Bodhirukkaramaya in Badulla; the Governor of Uva Province, Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara; Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security R.M. Jayawardhana; Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijewardene; local government representatives; the Divisional Secretary of Buttala; and the District Secretary, among others.
Prime Minister’s Media Division