Righteousness the tribute to Tooth Relic - President

Rohan Mathes

KANDY: President Mahinda Rajapaksa observed that the highest tribute which a Nation could accord the Sacred Tooth Relic was the creation of a righteous society which upholds the Panchaseela.

President Rajapaksa made this observation addressing the function marking the climax of the internationally renowned, traditional and historical annual Esala Maha Perahera pageant.

The most prestigious event in the Buddhist calendar came to a close with Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara handing over the Sandeshaya declaring the completion of the ceremonies to President Rajapaksa on Wednesday at President's House in Kandy.

Around 80 artistes who had traditionally participated in the pageant received awards from the President.

The event also marked the inauguration of a new Pension scheme for traditional artistes.

President Rajapaksa recollected the pledge made by him when he tookover the Sandeshaya last year, and stated that much of that pledge of re-construction of the religious sites destroyed due to terrorism in the North and East and their protection, had been fulfilled.

"By now, the East has been totally liberated from terrorism and the Government has taken all measures to protect Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu and Muslim religious sites and shrines.

The Government is also creating an environment where all religious devotees could live in harmony sans fear and suspicion," President Rajapaksa noted.

The President pointed out how the Government had taken prompt action to modernise the Perahera route within the Kandy city. He expressed his satisfaction on handing over the Court Complex to the Dalada Maligawa.

Stating that all efforts would be made to provide several elephants from Pinnawala and Ethathuru Sevena to the Dalada Maligawa, the President affirmed that the provision of all necessities and facilities to the Dalada Maligawa, would be his Government's highest priority.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Mayor L. B. Aluvihare, Ministers C. B. Rathnayake, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Pandu Bandaranayake and Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara, President's Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and several others participated.