Maha Sangha to bless displaced in North

A group of 500 members of the Maha Sangha representing Shasanarakshaka Mandalayas in 20 districts in the South will visit the North on May 26 to invoke blessings on the displaced people rescued from the terrorists housed in welfare camps and distribute relief goods among them.

The program has been jointly organised by the Samastha Lanka Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya and the Department of Buddhist Affairs under the patronage and guidance of Ven. (Dr). Welamitiyawe Kusaladhamma, Chief Sanghanayake Thera, President of the Samastha Lanka Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya (SSM).

SSM Registrar (Lekhakadhikari) Ven. Dr. Gonaduwe Gunananda Thera said the Maha Sangha had always come forward to assist the people of this country in times of a crisis or disaster as recorded in the country's history.

This program is in keeping with that ancient tradition. The relief goods to be distributed include dry food rations, medicine, children's, women's and men's clothing, sugar, tea leaves, and other essential items.

They have been collected from all districts by Divisional Shasanarakshaka Mandalayas and Daham Pasalas under a program co-ordinated by the SSM and Buddhist Affairs Commissioner Chandraprema Gamage.

The Maha Sangha will also participate in an Asheervada and Adhishtana Pahan Pooja Pinkama at the Uda Maluwa of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, in Anuradhapura on May 27 at 5 p.m. to invoke blessings on the President, Defence Secretary, Chiefs of the Three Forces, IGP, Civil Defence Chief, war heroes, country and the people.