Protect country's national, historical heritage - President

Chaminda Perera in Buttala

Sri Lankans have received an opportunity to live with dignity and self respect in the aftermath of 30 years of conflict, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The President stressed that Sri Lankans derived self respect and dignity from their historical heritage. He said that the country 's historical and national heritage offered them self respect and dignity. "All Sri Lankans who truly love the country should protect the national and historical heritage", he said.

The President was speaking at the felicitation of Viharadhipathi of Dematamal Rajamaha Viharaya and Chief Adhikarana Sanghanayake of Moneragala district Ven Galtemwatte Chandrajothi Thera and Chief Incumbent of Kiri Vehera Rajamaha Viharaya and Uva Wellassa University Chancellor Ven Aluthwewa Soratha Thera at the historical Yudaganawa Rajamaha Viharaya yesterday evening.

The President also opened the new shrine room at the historical Yudaganawa Rajamaha Viharaya to mark the 700th anniversary of the Asgiriya Maha viharaya. The Mahasangha led by Mahanayake of Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera blessed the President by chanting Seth Pirith at the temple premises.

Anunayake of the Malwatte Chapter Ven Imbulkumbure Saranankara Wimaladharma Thera was also present.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa presented a special painting embrossed with gems to the Ven Galtemwatte Chandrajothi Thera. Two books which were published to mark the felicitation of these erudite monks of Uva Province were also presented to the Thera by the President .

These books were also presented to the Mahanayake Thera of Asigiriya Chapter Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera. Viharadhikari Thera of Yudaganawa Rajamaha Viharaya presented a painting of the Prince and Princes Hemamala and Dantha carrying Sacred Tooth Relics from India to the Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera.

This painting was embrossed with gems too.

President Rajapaksa said the Bhikkus of the Asgiriya Chapter took great pains for the protection of Buddhism and Sangha order from ancient times. "These Buddhist monks of the Asgiriya Chapter protected the Sacred Tooth Relics at the expense of their lives during foreign invasions of the country.

The President said their enormous contribution towards the protection and promotion of Buddhism and country has earned the honour from people of of all walks of life.

The President also added that the Mahanayake Theras of Asgiriya and Malwatte Chapters are in the forefront during times of national problems.

"They guide the country's leaders on right path by giving Anusasans", he said.

The President said the people are talking of the Ruhuna with a sense of pride. The People of the Uva Wellassa region laid down their lives for the freedom of country, he said.

He said that the erudite Buddhist monks in the area are following in the footsteps of our fore fathers by rendering a yeomen service for the country and the religion.

He said that the services of Ven Galtemwatte Chandrajothi thera and Ven Dr. Aluthwewa Soratha Thera to the country are enormous.

"They played a key role in reviving Buddhist temples with historical backgrounds which were neglected for centuries, the President added.

The President said the monks in the Ruhuna always guided the country 's leaders on the proper path.

He said members of the Mahasangha who were residing at the Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya blessed King Dutugemunu to fight the invasive forces and ensure the freedom of the country.

"The Mahasangha has been carrying out this duty entrusted on them by the country's history", he added.

The President also commended the services of Ven Dr. Aluthwewe Soratha Thera. "He is the live wire behind the revival of historical Kirivehera temple", he added.

The President said the entire Uva Wellassa region was devastated by the colonials in the aftermath of Uva Wellassa rebellion.

"Paddy fields, Irrigation tanks and Buddhists temples were destroyed by them, "he said.

The President added that the entire region was neglected until the country gained independence in 1948. He said that this area is becoming a economic nerve centre after a lapse of centuries.

The President said the farmers in the area have been given lands to cultivate sugar cane to provide them a better income.

"The younger generation should learn a lesson from their forefathers who laid down their lives for the country, ' he added.