Ven Wimalananda Thera at Naga Viharaya Katina Pinkama
:
‘People in the North now enjoy peace’
Priyanka Kurugala in Jaffna
“The three forces were able to eradicate terrorism from the country
under the correct guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence
Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and now the people can enjoy peace, Chief
Incumbent of Kadawatha, Biyanvila Somawardanaaramaya, Ven Gonahena
Wimalananda Thera said.
Especially the people of the North should be indebted to the
government and the war heroes for putting an end to their misery, the
thera emphasized.
The Ven Wimalananda Thera was addressing the concluding programme of
the Katina festival of the Jaffna Naga Vihara on November 26. The Katina
Pooja was held with the participation of members of the three forces on
an elaborate scale. Not only the Northern Province, the whole country
has the opportunity to enjoy freedom and peace today, the Thera said.
‘The Katina religious programme was held according to Vinaya rules
taught by the Buddha. These customs existed from the days of the Buddha.
Vinya rules handed down by the Enlightened One, need to be followed
forever, the Thera said.
The robe of the Buddhist monk, the Cheevaraya has been in existence
since the Buddha’s day. All the kings paid honour to the “Arahath
Dhajaya”, the Thera said. There was no country in the world which is
discussions on “Karma” as well as Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, many inhuman
acts are committed in the country. Many children neglect their parents.
Such activities have to be given up by the people, the Thera said.
The programme was held under the patronage of Chief Incumbent of
Uththara Lanka and the Chief Incumbent of the Jaffna Naga Vihara, Most
Ven Meegahajandure Ghanarathana Thera. The Jaffna Naga Vihara
Vihradhikari Ven Meegahajandure Siriwimala Thera directed the programme.
Around 32 monks from all provinces participated. Brigadier Chandana
Gunawardana, Brigadier D B Randeniya and members of other brigades too
assisted in the religious ceremonies.
Tamil Buddhist Association President A Ravi Kumar was also present.
The programme was held jointly by the Sri Naga Vihara Development
Foundation in Jaffna and the Army, Navy, Air Forces with the Sri Lanka
Police and “Nandarama” Tamil Dhamma School under the Tamil Buddhist
Association in Jaffna. |