Honorary title for President

Chaminda PERERA

The Kalyaniwansa Chapter of the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha yesterday honoured President Mahinda Rajapaksa with the Sri Lanka Dharaneeshwara Kalyani title in recognition of his exceptional service in steering the country towards victory over terrorism.

The presentation of the honorary title was held at the 200th year celebration of the Sri Kalyaniwansa chapter at Temple Trees yesterday. Over 1,000 erudite monks led by the Mahanayake of the Amarapura Sri Sangha Sabha Most Ven Dauldena Gnanisswara Thera were present. The Maha Sangha belonging to the Sri Kalyaniwansa Chapter bestowed the honorary title on the President for liberating the country which was on the verge of being separated at the hands of LTTE terrorists.

The Kalyaniwansa chapter was established by Most Ven Sri Kathaluwe Gunarathnatissa Mahanayake Thera in 1810 after receiving higher ordination from Ramanna State in Myanmar.

The descendants of this chapter has rendered immeasurable service to revive Buddhism in the country and the world. Several books written by a number of erudite monks on the Kalyaniwansa chapter were presented to the President and Prime Minister D M Jayaratne.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Jayaratne lauded the social and religious service rendered by the Sri Kalyaniwansa chapter during the last two centuries.

He added that the Maha Sangha has played a pivotal role in protecting the country when it faced various threats and challenges throughout its history.

The Premier added that the blessings of Maha Sangha always helped save the country from various forms of invasions.

The keynote address was delivered by Colombo University Buddhist and Pali Studies Department Professor Asanga Thilakaratne.

Southern Province Chief Minister Shan Wijayalal de Silva delivered the vote of thanks.