Religious revival helped protect Buddhism - NCP Governor

COLOMBO: The religious revival inspired by historic places of worship like the 'Lankaramaya' has been a blessing for the protection and furtherance of Buddhism in this country at a time when certain organisations are posing various challenges to us by making poverty a cat's paw, said NCP Governor Dr. Jagath Balasuriya.

The Governor was speaking at the opening of a Dharmasala and Rest Hall complex at the Lankaramaya, Anuradhapura recently. Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Siriniwasa Nayake Thera presided.

Recalling the setting up of a Buddhist Commission for the first time in Sri Lanka in 1956, Balasuriya said 'we should make use of it to perpetuate the Buddhist revival inspired by late Buddhist leaders such as Anagarika Dharmapala and Col. Henry Steele Olcott.

He also said the development of places of worship like the Lankaramaya was a great source of consolation for Buddhists on the occasion of the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi. Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Siriniwasa Nayake Thera said the new Dharmasala, Vishramasala complex at the Lankaramaya fulfilled a long felt need.

Transport Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna said the Government was always prepared to support and assist development work at the Atamasthanaya visited and venerated by nearly three million devotees annually.

He said an assembly hall with a 5,000 seating capacity is being built near the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at a cost of Rs. 140 million and President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed them to complete the building before Esala Poya this year.

Sri Sambuddha Viharadhipathi Ven. Nugetenne Pannananda Thera, Ruwanweli Cetiyaramadhipati Ven. Pallegama Hemaratana Nayake Thera, Ven. Eethalawetuna Wewe Gnanatilleke Thera, Lankaramadhipathi Ven. Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Thera and Ranveta Trust Fund Chairman K.H.J. Wijeyadasa also spoke. NCP Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake and Agrarian Services and Farmer Community Development Minister S.M. Chandrasena were among those present.