Discipline important, says President

Chaminda Perera

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday stressed that the existence of a Government, institution or a party completely depends on discipline.

He said the Government discharged its duties properly by defeating one of the most ruthless terrorist outfits in the world and uniting the country. President Rajapaksa was speaking at the 67th higher ordination of Ramanya Maha Nikaya in Anuradhapura yesterday. Over 500 novices monks received higher ordination at a Seemamalakaya erected at the historical Malwathu Oya.

The President said the Government will uplift agriculture which will give an impetus to the Buddhist way of life. He said the Government has the responsibility of reviving religious renaissance in the country.

President Rajapaksa commended the services of erudite monks Most Ven Ambagahawatte Indrasabha Thera, Induruwe Uththarananda Thera, Baddegama Wimalawansa Thera and Henpitagedara Gnanaseeha Nayaka Thera who were committed to improve the Buddhist order.

A higher ordination ceremony is conducted by this Chapter near the Malwathu Oya after a lapse of 30 years. The evolution of the Sinhalese community began on the banks of Malwathu Oya with the arrival of King Vijaya from India, he said.

He said he expects that the novice monks who received higher ordination will discharge their responsibility to rebuild the nation. Ramagnnya Maha Nikaya Mahanayaka Most Ven Weveldeniya Medhalankara Thera, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, North Central Governor Karunaratne Divulgane and Nikaya Arakshaka Sabha Chairman and Gampaha district Parliamentarian Karu Jayasuriya were also present.