Create disciplined, morally rich society -President

All should share the responsibility of creating a disciplined and morally rich society, at a time when the country has achieved peace and development, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday.

The President was speaking to a gathering of the Maha Sangha, politicians and public at Mahamevuna Bhavana Asapuwa (Buddhist Monastery) in Polgahawela where he opened the newly built 'Sri Gauthama Raja Maligawa'(Sri Gauthama Buddha Palace). The President during his speech appreciated the service rendered by the founder of 'Mahamevuna Asapuwa', Most Ven.Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera in guiding the youth on the correct path and contributing to create a morally rich society.

'The'Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery' was originated for the wellbeing of both human and deity worlds since the foundation stone was laid by Most Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera on August 14, 1999. Presently, there are over 600 young disciple Bhikkhus, over 75 young disciple Bhikkhunis and hundreds of thousands of lay disciples.

As a result of describing the Buddha's Dhamma in a comprehensible language pattern, devotees of all ages started to join Venerable Thera's meditation programmes. The President after opening the 'Buddha Palace' also engaged in religious observances. Most Ven.Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera later presented a memento to the President to mark the occasion.

The President was accompanied by Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa PC. Mahanayaka of the Sri Ramanna Nikaya Most Ven. Weveldeniye Medalankara Thera, Malwatu Anunayaka Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera, Most Ven. Dodampahala Sri Chandrasiri Thera, Maha Sangha, ministers, politicians, foreign delegates and the public participated.