"Spiritual development theme of Jathika Saviya Gama Neguma"

"Under the Jathika Saviya and Gama Neguma programmes originated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa not only the rural infrastructural facilities are upgraded. The programme accommodates the spiritual development in the peasantry ushering it into a virtuous society" said North Central Provincial Council's UPFA member S. M. Ranjith.

He was speaking at a religious ceremony held recently at Siri Abaya temple and meditation centre in the vicinity of the historic Abayawewa (Basawakkulama tank) in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura.

The ceremony was held in connection with the inauguration of the construction work of a new hermitage hall at the temple being patronised by the Jathika Saviya Gama Neguma programme.

The Nation Building Minister S. M. Chandrasena has allocated, Rs. 1.5 million for the completion of the structure.

Ranjith said that multi religious shrine rooms including Buddhist temples located in distant difficult jungle areas are developed by the Nation Building Ministry being guided by President Mahinda Rajapaksa who respected and listened to religious personnel (clergy). The PC Councillor said the Maha Sangha should be free to propagate 'Dhamma' and were not expected to suffer in want of basic living amenities and requisites, especially in under-developed rural areas. He said that the Maha Sangha should shoulder the responsibility of transforming the village into a just and virtuous society without any discrimination.