Elders should be given due respect - Thera

M.A.R. Manukulasooriya
Hiriyala Group Correspondent

“Most children in present day society do not look after their parents and treat them well. Neglecting one’s own father or mother is a sin. ”

“The number of Elders’ Homes is increasing day by day in our country. Before British rule, there had been no Elders’ Homes in Sri Lanka.”

“The present position is a result of the embracing Western culture by a majority of our people,” said Ven. Ragama Sugathananda Thera, Chief Incumbent of Bodhimalu Viharaya, Manapaya, Kumbukwewa.

The Thera was addressing the gathering at a ceremony held at the temple premises in order to felicitate members of the “Senasuma Elders’ Society” of Deeyawa.

This ceremony was organised by the Youth Club of Deeyawa. Ven. Sugathananda Thera said that most young people were in the habit of forgetting their beloved parents, after getting married.

They do everything as ordered by their spouses. They send their parents to Elders’ Homes. This is a very sad state of affairs. Elders should be considered the history of a country. They should be given their due respect.

“I express my sincere thanks to all the members of Deeyawa Youth Club for organising this felicitation ceremony for elders,” he added.

At this ceremony several cultural items were presented by the elders. Provincial Director of Social Services Daisy Dharmawardene, Grama Niladhari A.M. Muthumenike, President of the Elders’ Society R.B. Atapattu and W.R. Wimalasena, Secretary of the Elders’ Society also spoke.