The President was speaking at the poet ceremony, organized by the G. M. Ajith Poet Foundation and Sinhala Young Poets Association on Tuesday (Nov. 14) at the Auditorium of the Public Library, Colombo.

He also visited the exhibition which showcased the creations and photos about thousands of late and living poets.

The exhibition will be held until 18th of this month.

G. M. Ajith handed over a letter which included the requests of the G. M. Ajith Poet Foundation, to the President.

President Sirisena further said that the value of the poets who shared their knowledge and experience through their pens to awaken the country and the nation together with the Maha Sanga, will last unchanged today as well as tomorrow.

The President, who expressed his regret about the absence of a program to protect the creations of the poets, commended the poets who fulfill the responsibility which should be done by a government.

Responding to the request to arrange a place for accommodation for the poets who come to Colombo from remote areas for literary and art activities, the President stated that he would take actions to fulfill that requirement through the discussions with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

President Sirisena who recalled the service rendered by the Sinhala poets to rekindle nationalism, heal the hearts of the people and highlight the human feelings, stated that he would be committed to perform all tasks to encourage them as a government.

Ven. Vennavaththe Rathanajothi Thero and the Maha Sanga and the members of poet associations participated in this event.