Government maintains continuous dialogue with the Maha Sangha

by L.B. Wijayasiri in Kandy

Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama who paid a courtesy calls on the Most. Ven. Mahanayake Theras of Malawatta and Asgiriya Chapters observed that they appreciated the middle path followed by Malwatta Mahanayake Thera and it was important that the present government maintained a continuous dialogue with the Maha Sangha in order to ensure the security of the country and development of the economy.

Minister Dr. Amunugama's discussions with Most. Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter was not open to the media but the minister addressed the media after the meeting.

Dr. Amunugama added that the Most Ven. Mahanayake Thera was of the view that all the leading members of Maha Sangha should unite in national issues.

In reply to a journalist Minister Amunugama said that although elections were held to elect the administrator of Dalanda Maligawa all concerned should act with the view to protect the dignity and reverence of the place and not to injure the people's wishes. Maha Sangha had made various suggestions to the government with regard to the Dalada Maligawa. Only matured people were elected or appointed to the office of Diyawadana Nilame. That system might not be practised now. The election of the DN should not be treated like an ordinary election campaign.

Minister Dr. Amunugama added that the media should refrain from publishing reports which lead that election to a conflict. Media should not try to make it a Horse Race.

The people of the country had been able to walk along roads without fear or suspicion thanks to the Ceasefire Agreement, and there was no war for the past 3 years. Most of those who criticise the work of the country were those who had never been to beyond Anuradhapura and those who knew less about the country.

He also called on Most. Ven. Udugama Sri Ratnapala Buddharakkhitha Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter.