August 18, Colombo (LNW): Venerable Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Lankarama Vihara, lauded President Ranil Wickremesinghe for his dedication to preserving the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and the historic Maha Vihara in Anuradhapura.
The Thero’s remarks came during a special sermon, ‘Maha Sanghagatha Dakshinawa’, held yesterday (17) at the Sannipatha Hall in Anuradhapura, in the President’s presence.
The Thero highlighted Wickremesinghe’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding Buddhist heritage, recalling the President’s involvement in constructing a second golden fence around the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi during his tenure as Prime Minister in 2001.
Responding to a request from the Maha Sangha, President Wickremesinghe facilitated the project, leading to the establishment of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Development Fund.
With contributions from philanthropists, over LKR 10 million was raised in a single event, enabling the completion of the golden fence within a year.
The Thero expressed optimism that the President’s current visit would bring similar positive outcomes, emphasising the spiritual significance of Anuradhapura, where over 200 kings have been crowned.
He further commended Wickremesinghe’s efforts in renovating the historic Malwatu Maha Vihara, the birthplace of the Sambuddha Order in Sri Lanka, asserting that these initiatives reflect the President’s commitment to preserving Buddhist history and culture.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, several cabinet and state ministers, Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries.
