Advent of Buddhism shaped the course of our culture - PM

by Nadira Gunatilleke reporting from Mihintale

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse yesterday observed that the advent of Buddhism in the country shaped the course of its culture, and all other aspects such as irrigation,agriculture tradition and architecture.

He was addressing devotees after opening the 43rd Aloka Pooja conducted by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.(ANCL) in joint participation with Abans Limited. The Ceylon Electricity Board and the SLRC is also involved in this endeavour.

The Premier said in the past Mihintale was the fount from where Buddhism spread throughout the country. Presently he said the technological revolution has brought many wonders with e-libraries helping to expand computer technology in rural areas bringing people closer to each other.

He said e-libraries could very soon see a revolution in the country's rural areas like the revolution brought about by Dr.C.W.W.Kannangara in the field of education. Associated Newspapers at Ceylon Limited (ANCL) Chairman Janadasa Peiris said that this Aloka Pooja is the main religious ceremony conducted by the ANCL among its many other religious and social welfare programmes. Under all administrations, ANCL continually conducted the Aloka Pooja beginning 43 years ago.

"The ANCL is not only a publishing house. It has several social responsibilities. The late D.R. Wijewardene stressed the importance of allocating some funds for religious and social welfare programmes. The ANCL conducted the Aloka Pooja following the same concept and earlier the ANCL conducted Amadahara to mark the Vesak festival. Two years ago we promised to rebuild the Lankagama school damaged by the floods and we did it according to this concept. We still run a welfare camp for tsunami victims at Dikwella," he added.

"Ven. Mahinda Thera caused a revolution by introducing Buddhism to Sri Lanka and we are following in his foot steps by expanding the knowledge of the people through communication (newspapers). "We carry forward Mahinda Thera's social development activities, he added.

Delivering an Anusasana Ven Ratnasara Thera, Viharadhipathy of the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya said that this year's Aloka Pooja is much more colourful than the previous years ones.

A large number of visitors from Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia attend this ceremony in order to see its splendour and extend a helping hand to expand the Buddha Sasana. Ven. Song Katapoonyo Thera said that the Thai Government and the military has made all arrangements to receive Sacred Tooth Relics offered by Sri Lanka.

A special procession has been organised to welcome the relics at airport, and this is a very prestigious and sacred procession. This is a very good opportunity for the people.

"We invite the Sri Lankan people to visit Thailand and attend this ceremony. This Thai Government has given priority for 20 Sri Lankans to attend this ceremony and they will not need visas,".

Delivering the welcome speech ANCL Finance Director Sonali Dissanayake said that the ANCL conducts several projects for the welfare of school children in the North Central Province (NCP). Deputy General Manager of the CEB, G. Muthukuda Arachchi said that the CEB will join hands with the ANCL for future programmes as well and about three million CEB customers contributed to this ceremony. The CEB has provided a special lighting system to Mihintale during the past few years. Sabaragamuwa Province Chief Minister Maheepala Herath said that it is the duty and responsibility of every government that comes into power to project and upgrade the Buddha Sasana.

Ven. Gunaratane Thera and Budusarana Editor Melson S. Perera also spoke. NCP Governor Dr. Jagath Balasuriya, NCP Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake, Skilled Development, Vocation and Technical Education Deputy Minister Duminda Dissanayake, Social Welfare Deputy Minister S.M. Chandrasena, SLRC Director General Nishantha Ranatunga and Abans Director Alan Raffle were also present. ANCL Editorial Consultant Karunaratne Paranawithana, ANCL CAO. R. Hettiarachchi and ANCL General Manager Abaya Amaradasa were also present.