Good morals, ethics help build country - Basil
Athapattu BANDARA
Strengthening of morals and ethics is as equally important as the
development of a country, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa
said.
The minister was speaking at a ceremony to unveil a statue and name a
road after renowned author and great Sinhala novelist late K.
Jayathilaka in recognition of the enormous contribution made by him to
uplift Sinhala literature, at Kannimahara, Gampaha.
"The government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa is committed to
develop morals of society and has taken measures to create a righteous
society where ethics would be promoted," he pointed out.
"Author K Jayathilaka rendered an exceptional service to Sinhala
literature," he said.
"He opened a library at his home for the benefit of the people of his
village," he added.
The minister said he read K Jayathilaka's book Punchi Pale Gasawena
before coming to the function and recalled a quote from it where a
politician, attending a commemoration ceremony of late great artiste
Mahagamasekara, used the ceremony for his political benefit.
"I never expected to gain any political benefits by attending this
ceremony, but, I am a great fan and admirer of K Jayathilanka," he said.
"We have heard about artistes who have never helped their villages. But,
K Jayathilaka was an exception. He helped his people in an admirable
manner," the minister said.
The road leading to K Jayathilaka's home was also carpeted on the
advise of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the minister said.
Deputy Disaster Management Minister Dulip Wijesekara,Western
Provincial Council Member Upali Gunarathna, Dompe Pradeeshiya Sabha
Chairman Milan Jayathilaka, K Jayathilaka's widow Sumana Jayathilaka,
Prof Tissa Kariyawasam, famous artiste Nanda Malani, other artistes and
authors also attended the occasion. |