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President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga making a fervent appeal from the historic and sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises in Anuradhapura on Monday requested all political parties, social groups and their leadership to shed petty differences and join hands to dispel war and poverty and bring peace and prosperity to our country.

Speaking at the opening of the five gilded gates at the sacred precincts she said:

"This moment which has enabled me to offer five gilded gates to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi after the reconstruction and reinforcement of the ancient moat in a manner that would ensure the dignity, security and grandeur of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is an inspiring moment in my life which fills my heart with great religious devotion.

I wish to state that the request made and support extended by the honourable Nayake Theras in Anuradhapura led by Atamasthanadhipati Ven. Pallegama Siriniwasa Nayake Thera enabled me to fulfil and implement my desire and enthusiasm of performing this meritorious deed. I wish to express my sincere thanks to those Nayake Theras for giving me this opportunity to offer my devotion and respect to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.

It is an indisputable fact that the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is the chief national fountain and symbol of our culture. We are fully aware that the evolution and existence of national discipline, arts and agri based culture built on Buddhist philosophy revolved round the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi which has received the reverence, protection and veneration of millions of people including, royalty and state leaders for over 2,500 years is also a symbol of determination and gratefulness. It is the southern scion of the Sri Maha bodhi in India under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment.

Whenever I think of or pay homage to the Bodhi I am reminded of the firm resolution the Buddha made seated under the Sri Maha Bodhi in India that "I shall not move from here until I attain enlightenment." After achieving his goal the Buddha showed his gratitude by performing 'animisalocana pooja' at the Bodhi and we ought to recall that great example set by him.

After the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi brought down from India by Maha Therini Sanghamitta on the directive of her father Emperor Dharmasoka was planted at the Mahamevuna Uyana by King Devanampiyatissa it received honour and veneration from every Buddhist King. Kings such as Sirinaga I, Sirinaga II, Gotabhaya and Dhatusena had built moats, Mal Aasana, and pillars etc., to strengthen its beauty and security and offered special poojas to it.

This moat was first built during the time of King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe for the protection of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and the first Ran Veta was erected subsequently. The second 'Ran Veta' planned during the time of our government was built and opened by the Prime Minister last year to enhance the grandeur and security of the Bodhi.

It is for the purposes of grandeur and protection of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi that I decided to renovate the dilapidated moat, rusty gates and get them gold plated.

It is because this Bodhi was planted on an Unduwap Poya day that we Buddhists commemorate the coming Unduwap Poya day as Sri Sanghamitta day.

Therefore, I wish to thank the womens organisation of our party for organising these dana and sil campaigns and Bodhi and Adhishtana poojas at the Maha Mewuna Uyana with the participation of Bauddha Upasikas in the country.

There is a firm belief in our society to the effect that whenever our country or nation forced crises or calamities they were warded off with the blessings of the forces which had helped to build our culture. I think this period too is a similar occasion.

It is the good fortune of our whole nation that we have been able to perform a meritorious deed of this nature at a time when Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities who have become weary of war are getting ready to forget all differences to foster peace. At a time when our party and the main opposition are discussing a possibilities to work in harmony I wish to extend this invitation to all sections of the society from this hallowed place.

As human beings our fervent hope is peace and prosperity. It is the fervent belief of me as well as the nation that we would receive the strength and blessings of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to make the necessary resolution in our minds realise that aim.

Therefore, we need to make a firm resolve in our hearts to foster peace and prosperity in this country.

From this sacred place I invite leaders of all political parties and groups and religious dignitaries in this country to dedicate ourselves towards achieving this objective.

It is due to the lack of a firm resolve and will among us that this country of ours which was known as the granary of the East and the 'Dhammadvipa' had fallen into a situation where it had to depend on international aid with the entire social fabric undermined by an increasing wave of crime.

At this moment when our nation needs peace and prosperity and main parties are having talks towards achieving it I take this opportunity to invite all sections of the community and their leadership to join hands to bring peace and prosperity in building a great Sri Lankan nation which has been our historical inheritance."

May the blessings of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and the Noble Triple Gem be with you all!

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