Protect future generations - President

Raja Waidyasekera - Tissamaharama corr

It is the duty of all to protect the future generations from unruly elements, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday.

The President was addressing a Daham Hamuwa at the Wana Wasa Kuda Viharaya in Polommaruwa, Tangalle where he declared open the Dharmasala Dhathu Mandiraya and the library.

He said: "There is no point indulging in development activities if the youth are not brought up properly.

"The religious institutions are filled with youth now, unlike in the past. These institutions will not glitter without the youth. The youth now visit the temple not only on poya days but on other days too. We must create a religious renaissance with the participation of the Maha Sangha, the pinnacles of the country.

"Today we live in a society with various ailments. The incident that occurred in Tangalle recently is a good example.

"If society is to progress, moral qualities of the youth must be improved. Children are an asset and a legacy to a progressing country, and they should be protected.

"The vihara is a place where Arahats lived in ancient times', the President concluded.

Viharadipathi Ven Wewahamanduwa Wachissara thera, Parivenadipathi Mandaduwa Deerananda thera, Dr Ranjith Atapattu and Minister Mahinda Amaraweera were present.