The Prime Minister pointed out that if the Maha Sangha will not be united on political or social grounds, it will be a great threat for the security and wellbeing of the country.
The Prime Minister expressed these views when he participated as the Chief Guest in a ceremony held for the opening of a new two-storey dathu Mandiraya, opening of Prakara constructed around the shrine and laying of Buddha's corporeal relics in the gold plated casket held at Upali Dharmashrama Viharaya, Mailagama, Kataragama last Friday (31).
The activities took place amidst of the blessings of Maha Sangha led by Ven.Kotugoda Dhammawasa Anunayaka Thera, Incumbent of Dharmapalaramaya, Mount-Lavinia, and Upali Dharmashramaya, Kataragama.
Prime Minister further stated that, “This country is protected for more than two thousand five hundred years due to the dedication of Maha Sangha. It was Maha Sangha who gave the strength, courage and instructions to ancient Sinhala kings to defeat Tamil rulers such as Elara, Datiya, Peetiya and foreign invaders such as Chola, Kalinga, Magha etc. Also, it was the Maha Sangha who gave the blessings to His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse to defeat the brutal terrorism that prevailed in the country for more than thirty years.
Therefore, our country can be protected internally and externally through protecting Maha Sangha, but if Maha Sangha will be divided on various reasons and create a threat to their integrity it will create a threat to the integrity of our country, as well. Therefore, it is our utmost duty and responsibility to safeguard fourty one thousand Maha Sangha dwelling in nine thousand two hundred temples.
As Buddhists it is our duty to keep the shrine, Buddha image house, Bodhi Tree that are available in a temple, elegantly. Our country has transformed to a great nation after the arrival of Arahat Mihindu Thera. Since then, we owned a great civilization and we became a great nation due to the upbringing of Buddhism.
Accordingly the language, culture, religion and all the others were civilized and protected due to the sacrifice made by Maha Sangha, added the Prime Minister.
Maha Sangha including Ven.Dodampahala Chandrasiri Nayaka Thera; President, Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha, Ven.Kotugoda Dhammawasa Anunayaka Thera, Ven Devalegama Dhammasean Thera,(M.A.), Incumbent Tissamaharama Rajamaha Viharaya, Ven Kapugama Saranatissa Thera, (M.A.), Incumbent, Kataragama Abinavaramaya, Ven.Pathakada Wimalaratana Thera (M.A.), Incumbent Palmadulla Ganegama Rajamaha Viharaya and a large gathering including Kesharalal Gunasekara, Deputy Mayor, Dehiwala- Mount Lavinia were also present at the occasion. (KH)
