Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that we must resolve to withstand the sufferings that have existed so far and move forward. He stated this while inaugurating the first programme of "Aluth Gamak Aluth Ratak" in the New Year on 16.04.2023 at Kottawa Siri Dhammakittikaraama Temple.
The Prime Minister in his speech further declared
"At this time, the blessings and guidance of Venerable Iththapane Dhammalankara Nayaka Thera are very important. The contribution made for the existence of Sambuddha Sasana is noticeable.
For the past forty years, I worked as your Member of Parliament and acted on the advice of Maha Sangha whenever possible. That guidance of the Maha Sangha gave me strength to carry out all the missions that could be done for the Motherland and Sambuddha Sasana.
In this special occasion where the customs of New Year are highlighted from village to village, the unity of the nation is symbolized by these rituals which are performed at the same time throughout the country. When the rituals are performed with the blessings of Maha Sangha across the country, let’s all unite and resolve to lift our heads from the sufferings as one nation ".
The prime minister planted a coconut sapling in the temple and distributed coconut saplings under the above programme.
Chancellor of Sri Jayawardenepura University, Mahanayake of Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of Siam Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Iththapane Dhammalankara Thera, Chief incumbent of the temple Lelawala Dhammakusala Thera, Yadamini Gunawardena MP, Former Chief Minister of Western Province Isura Devapriya, Colombo District Secretary K.G. Wijesiri, guests and residents joined this occasion.
Prime Minister’s Media Division