President conveys greetings to Malwatte Prelate

President Mahinda Rajapaksa conveying his greetings and gratitude to Most Ven Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangalabhidhana Maha Nayaka Thera of the Malwathu Chapter on his 68th birthday on May 30 (today) has wished him longevity,good health and protection of Naatha Devalaya in a special well wishers message.

Malwatte Maha Nayaka Thera

“It is with heartfelt happiness and gratitude that I send this message of well wishes to Most Ven Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangalabhidhana Mahanayaka Thera of the Maha Vihara Malwatte Chapter of the Shyamopali Maha Nikaya,” the President’s message read.

‘I am pleased to note that the birth of the Mahanayaka Thera had taken place in the month of Vaishaka, the month of which the three great events of the Buddha had taken place.

Dullabho Purisa janna- Na so sabattha jayati.

Yattha so jayati dhiro- Tam kulam sukha medhati

‘It is hard to find the noblest of men; he is not born everywhere nor in every clan. To whatever clan such a wise man is born, that clan prospers.

‘Following the footsteps of the Buddha, exercising loving kindness of the great way, taking action at right times without delaying its course, the Mahanayaka Nayaka Thera of the country’s oldest Bhikkhu tradition, has bestowed on us and the world a great honour.

‘You have blessed the country as will your supervision and guidance as the custodian of the Sacred Relics of the Buddha.

‘The Mahanayake Thera has been a beacon of strength unto the laity as well as unto the ordained. The strength you have given me to do what is necessary and right is enormous.