‘We are all fortunate to be citizens of this land’ - Kumarasiri Hettige

The President's Parliamentary Affairs Secretary, Kumarasiri Hettige said that we all are fortunate to be citizens of this land and that the country would be more prosperous and meaningful when its people understand the grievances of others as of their own. He further said that the services rendered by various welfare societies at village level for developing the society that had been fractioned due to various reasons and transforming it were greatly commendable.

Hettige was speaking as the Chief Guest of the 30th Anniversary of the Jayanthi Welfare Society at Kotapola in Deniyaya, held at the auditorium of the Kotapola National School. He commented that a wholesome village is formed by the school and the temple and that well-disciplined citizens, rich in education could be moulded by well streamlined schools.

“It cannot be done solely by the government alone but parents and everyone wishing a better world have to come forward for this purpose. The reason for the current unpleasant trend in society, is the failure to create children enriched with higher qualities. The downfall emanated from that had extended to an immense social deterioration. We have to look at society and life with a vision. It is the common view that politics have become the reason for social grading and separation, whereas, the role performed by civil social organizations for the purpose uniting the once segregated masses is a great help,” he stated.

Speaking further, Hettige said that today, the country is in need of more and more outspoken, genuine volunteer, organizations and that those who have become part and parcel of social welfare societies, are a generous lot. These generous feelings emanate from the close association of the Buddhist philosophy into life. No purpose is served when people without such feelings become intellectuals. The intelligence to be mingled with kindness, is an absolute necessity.

“This country would be more prosperous and attractive when its citizens could feel the sorrows of others. Even breathing our last in this land would be a great merit. Intellectuals with no soft corner in their hearts for others would be of no absolute use. Some develop vengeance and anger surpassing intelligence. People who work for the well-being of society is seen as enemies by them. They must allow society to move without hindering the leaders, to enable them to carry their visions forward. Society is principally moulded with discipline, which is common to both laymen and clergy,” Hettige emphasized.

Continuing further, Hettige stated that office bearers of welfare societies are a living example to certain high ranking officers. The sole purpose of societies governed by generosity, is the ironing out of sorrows of the others. Many viewpoints and criticisms had been in the air over the strike action and protest marches performed by university lecturers. The strike denied education to undergraduates for a hundred days. “We observe some sensitive points where kindness has to be mingled with intelligence. The appropriateness of strike action on part of Judges who are the determiners of Justice had become a debatable issue. Our positions in key posts become useless if we fail to fulfill our responsibilities and duties on our shoulders. We should not forget that everyone with selfish interests is speedily heading for deterioration. President Mahinda Rajapaksa saved the country for us when it was on the verge of a terror grip. It is everybody's duty of the day to adorn this country with all wholesome values,” he concluded.

The Chief incumbent of the Getabaruwa Raja Maha Viharaya and the secondary Sanganayaka of Southern Sri Lanka, the Ven. Beralapanakara Chandawimala Thera said that the remote Kotapola area has been revived with the new vision of Kumarasiri Hettige. He is an emblem of humane love and democracy. He carries on his life with dignity and is ready to help the affected at any time. “We have to admire his services rendered to society with a humanitarian approach whilst safeguarding the good name of the President,” the Thera said.

Deputy Urban Commissioner for Matara Senaka Palliyaguruge said that Sri Lanka has reached the top in the world by way of literacy. With its expansion, humanity too has to be widened. On the aspect of social welfare Sri Lanka has been able to come-up among other leading countries.

A great deal of service for social welfare is done by the President whose vision has been acclaimed by the world. The welfare extended by the government to the general public is immense and services rendered through welfare societies at village level is commendable. “We have to realize the meaning of the state emblem and the fact of destitution of the public in the absence of justice and fairness on the part of public officers. Kumarasiri Hettige performs his duties and responsibilities by the society amidst whatever the challenges, drawbacks to the very best,” he said.

The Principal of the Kotapola national school Gamini Wijenayaka said, “We do not pay much attention to our environment concerns. Even for education, a healthy environment is a must. A program on Waste Management has been started, reflecting a model to the local body and the country with that move. Our school remains fully clean. Now, progress of all aspects are to be seen. The forerunner behind the reconstruction effort of this school is nobody other than Kumarasiri Hettige.”