Govt determined to uproot LTTE terrorism- Prime Minister

Nimal Wijesinghe Anuradhapura Additional District group correspondent

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government Security Forces and the Police are dedicated and determined to uproot LTTE terrorism and create a prosperous and peaceful country, said Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake.

The Prime Minister briefing the chief incumbent of Anuradhapura Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Viharaya Ven. Nugethenne Pragnananda Nayaka Thera said, the war heroes are involved in an exemplary humanitarian operation to rescue all the innocent Tamil civilians trapped in Prabhakaran's custody.

The Prime Minister arrived in Anuradhapura early yesterday and worshipped Atamasthana. He participated in a special alms giving for the Maha Sangha in commemoration of his birthday which falls on May 5.

En route his religious tour, the premier paid a courtesy call on Ven. Nugethenne Pagnananda Nayaka Thera, the chief incumbent of Anuradhapura Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Viharaya.

The Nayaka Thera chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings of the Triple Gems and deities wishing the Prime Minister a healthy and a long life.The Thera wished that very soon the Security Forces spearheaded by the President would bring about permanent and lasting peace with the total elimination of LTTE terrorism.

He said the program pioneered by the Pagnananda Nayaka Thera being patronised by him and Minister G.L. Peiris some years back to educate Buddhist priests in English and Tamil languages should be revived for the betterment of national harmony. The Prime Minister worshipped the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and offered religious requisites to the Sacred Botree.

The Maha Sangha headed by Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Dr. Pallegama Sirinivasa and Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana the chief incumbent of Ruwanweli Seya temple, Nayaka Theras conducted the religious observances and rituals to bless the premier.