President hails Mahanayake Thera's services on 97th birthday

President Mahinda Rajapakse in a letter to the Most Ven. Weveldeniye Medhalankara Mahanayake Thera, Mahanayake of the Ramanna Nikaya, conveyed his utmost respect and on behalf of the people and the Government wished the Prelate health and longevity on his 97th birthday which falls today.

The President's birthday message: "Soon after my election as the President, I was anxious to call on you at, Sri Dharmakeerthiyaramaya of Polwatta and receive your blessings. But I regret my inability to do so due to your state of health at the time. I hope to call on you at the earliest possible opportunity available.

"The invaluable service you render to the Buddha Sasana, our culture and education as the 12th Mahanayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya will certainly go down in history in golden letters.

"Your illustrious conduct as a virtuous, disciplined and erudite disciple of the Buddha, and your tutelage to a host of Buddhist ecclesiastical generations, I recall with great respect on this occasion.

"Your sublime contribution to Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka by attending numerous international religious fora and your dedication to the cause of Buddhism and the unity of the Buddhist clergy as the Mahanayake of the Ramanna Chapter were tremendous indeed.

"On the occasion of your 97th birthday, I wish you health, longevity and blessings of, the Triple Gem to serve the country and the Sasana for many more years."