President greets Thera on 87th birthday

President Mahinda Rajapakse in a message of greetings to Ven. Rajakeeya Panditha Aththudawe Siri Rahula Mahanayake Thera of the Sri Rohana sector of the Maha Vihara Vansika Shyamopali Maha Nikaya on the occasion of his 87th birthday, said the Ven. Rahula Thera who was born in Aththudawa, in Ruhuna on December 19, 1919 had laid the foundation for the propagation of Buddhism here and abroad.

Ven. Rahula Thera's learning, erudition and discipline are natural attributes he had inherited from birth. As a person fluent in many languages, he has rendered a tremendous service as an author of many books.

Ven. Rahula Thera has also rendered vital service towards the pirivena system of education which laid the foundation for the perpetuation of the bhikku generation.

This has earned him honour and respect not only from his own nikaya but all other nikayas as well, President Rajapakse said. The President said the advice and counsel received from Ven. Rahula Thera had stood him in good stead in his private life. He would constantly depend on the counsel and advice of the prelate for the successful implementation of his program to eradicate the drug menace and set up a disciplined and righteous society in this country.

The President said he would wish Ven. Rahula thera the blessings of the Triple Gem and the guardian deities for good health strength and long life to successfully continue his national, religious and sasana service here and abroad for many more years.