Programme to develop dilapidated temples

Wadduwa Roving Corr

A programme to develop old and dilapidated temples in remote areas in the country is launched with the assistance of the Civil Defence Force under a directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, said Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

The Defence Secretary said he personally witnessed the sorry plight of some of these temples when he visited them to extend invitations to the 3,500 members of the Maha Sangha who participated in the Jaya Pirith ceremony held at the BMICH recently.

The Defence Secretary was addressing a meeting after opening a student hostel and a dana sala, and laying the foundation stone for a new building at the Pravachamodaya Maha Pirivena in Molligoda, Wadduwa recently.

The Defence Secretary said the Maha Sangha have rendered a great service by guiding and leading the people along the correct path without any prejudice or petty differences. They were also offering valuable counsel to the President and the government at all times. He said he was extremely pleased to participate in the ceremony at the Pravachamodaya Maha Pirivena which had rendered invaluable service to the Buddha Sasana and society.

He said many more pirivenas of this nature were needed to help create a disciplined nation.

Ven Dr Ittapane Dhammalankara Anunayake Thera presided. Ven Homagama Dhammananda Chief Sanghanayake Thera of Kalutara Disawa, Ven Prof Bellanwila Wimalaratane Thera, Ven Prof Kotapitiye Rahula Thera, Ven Gonaduwe Gunanada Thera, R A D Sirisena and several others also spoke.

Ven Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera, Acting Chief Minister of the Western Province Minister Jagath Angage, Milinda Moragoda, Civil Defence Force Director General Rear Admiral Ananda Peiris and Kalutara GA U D C Jayalal were also present.