President unveils restored Jethavana Stupa

Nimal WIJESINGHE Anuradhapura additional district group correspondent

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday it was a pleasure and a meritorious deed for him to grace the occasion of offering the conserved Jetavana Stupa for worshipping to the world Buddhist community.

“This colossal stupa was constructed by King Mahasena (276-313 BC) when the country was under one flag and united,” President Rajapaksa said addressing the religious gathering at the occasion of offering the restored Jetavana Stupa for veneration of the Buddhist society.

The President was escorted in a colourful procession round the Chetiya before unveiling the commemorative plaque in the Salapathala Maluwa of the conserved stupa.

President Rajapaksa said the kings who ruled the country and our forefathers who built huge reservoirs like Nuwarawewa and Parakrama Samudraya and massive stupas like Ruwanmeli Chetiya, Abayagiriya, Jetavana and Mirisawetiya not only nurtured Buddhism but showed the people that they could execute massive creations if they were determined and dedicated to do such things amidst obstacles and interruptions.

“That theory is valid for today for the overall development of the country as LTTE terrorism has been wiped out,” President Rajapaksa said.

“When this country was divided, it was in the verge of devastation and disaster. When the country was in unison under one flag it was prosperous and nicknamed as the ‘granary of the east’ and the Dharmadweepa. Our kings taught us the way the invaders and foes should be treated and the technique of treating those who were defeated and humiliated,” the President said.

He emphasised that the people wanted the Government to accelerate development and expedite them without corrupting, malpractice and cheating without allowing the work to drag on. “They want us to follow the glorious and patriotic kings who dedicatedly worked for the well-being of the country and the countrymen. We have eradicated LTTE terrorism which prevailed for 30 years within three years and were preparing to gain prosperity in the same manner with the support of all categories of the nation,” the President said.

He inaugurated the specially designed electrification and illumination scheme for the Jetawana Chetiya designed by Lakdanavi institute.

Maha Nayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter the Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Nayaka Thera, Cultural Affairs Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, North Central Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake, Chief Incumbent of the Atamastana the Ven. Pallegama Sirinivasa Nayake Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Jethawana Viharaya Ven. Ihala Halmillewe Rathnapala Nayaka Thera, Foreign dignitaries, Cabinet Ministers and Provincial Councillors were present.