The repainting of the Mihintale Maha Seya in preparation for the forthcoming 54th Mihintale Aloka Pooja to be held in the Mihintale Sacred area, commenced on today (May 5 ) sponsored by Lake House.
Law and Order and Southern Development Minister and Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Defence State Minister Ruwan Wijewardene, NCP Chief Minister Peshala Jayaratne and Lake House Chairman Kavan Ratnayake together with the Lake House Management graced the occasion.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of Mihintale Raja Maha Viharadhipathi Ven. Walawahengunawewe Dhammaratana Thera.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sagala Ratnayake said in the past, ancient kings and the wealthy people helped to perpetuate the Buddhasasana by providing protection and support to Buddhist places of worship while the people at large helped the sustenance of bhikkhus by offering dana and other requirements using their economic strength.
He said the objective of the government was to strengthen the people economically while maintaining law and order in the country.
Minister Sagala Ratnayake said the Mihintale sacred area was developed and enlightened after independence after Defence State Minister Ruwan Wijewardene’s grandfather late D. R. Wijewardene became its lay custodian.
He said the Wijewardene family had catered to the development of many places of worship in the country, including the Gangaramaya.
He said steps would be taken to fund the development of the Mihintale Dharmasala through the Central Cultural Fund.
Defence State Minister Ruwan Wijewardene said the Aloka Pooja Pinkama started by his late Grandfather in 1963 was continued by his father Ranjith Wijewardene and thereafter, by all successive Chairmen of Lake House. It was a pleasure to note that D. R. Wijewardene’s concept was being continued to date, he said.
Wijewardene said special emphasis should be laid on protecting and safeguarding the Mihintale sacred area as it marked an important crossroad in the spreading of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
NCP Chief Minister Peshala Jayaratne said the President and Prime Minister were governing the country in keeping with an example from the principle of non violence mooted by Arahat Mahinda Thera 2323 years ago.
He thanked Lake House for spearheading the protection and safeguarding of heritage sites for bequeathing them to future generation. Lake House General Manager Abhaya Amaradasa delivered the welcome speech.
Lake House Finance Director Dr. Emerick Fernando, Assistant General Manager Lal Perera and other officials were also present.
EmoticonEmoticon