President to all politicians:
Halt hate politics
Rasika Somaratne in Pelmadulla
*Moral renaissance as important as
economic renaissance
*Maha Sangha tower of strength to him
President Mahinda Rajapaksa said it is time for all to put a stop to
hate politics adding that politicians should take the lead in this
regard. As people representatives they should set an example to others,
the President said. He was speaking at a religious ceremony to invoke
blessings on him and the country by the Maha Sangha at the Pelmadulla
Raja Maha Viharaya premises Sunday.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the daham hamuwa at the
Pelmadulla Raja Maha Viharaya in Ratnapura Sunday |
President Rajapaksa also emphasized that the moral renaissance of the
Nation was as important as its economic renaissance.
While noting that achieving one without the other as a futile
exercise, the President said the Maha Sangha and other religious leaders
could play a pivotal role in helping create a morally rich society.
The contribution of religious leaders and the continuing efforts by
them in this regard is highly appreciated, he added.
The President addressing the gathering after religious observances
said whatever heights the nation achieves in physical development would
be meaningless if it cannot achieve the same high standards in moral and
spiritual development.
The President said when looking back at history, the Maha Sangha had
always been sensitive to threats faced by the Nation and had come
forward to the country’s defence when necessary.
Commenting on the Government’s efforts to put a full stop to tobacco
and alcohol and drug abuse by implementing the Mathata Thitha program
and enhancing facilities to improve the Dhamma education, President
Rajapaksa said these coupled with other moves had paid rich dividends in
improving moral values in individuals during recent times. Making the
gathering aware about the Government’s development drive since ending
terrorism, the President said the intention was to distribute equal
opportunities and resources to all parts of the country. The Government
has earmarked difficult villages which need to be developed on a
priority basis so that before long this term ceased to exist, the
President added.
The President said there was a big interest in Buddhism globally and
emphasized the need for locals to take part in efforts to take the
Buddha’s teaching to other countries.
The Government is committed to provide relevant institutions and
Pirivena education centres with material including facilities to learn
different languages, he said.
Daham Hamuwa at the Ratnapura Pelmadulla
Raja Maha Viharaya
Members of the Maha Sangha present at the Daham Hamuwa |
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ven Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera |
Ministers and invitees present |
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