President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, speaking at the National Poson Festival held on June 10 at the sacred Mihintale temple grounds, issued a powerful call for restoring the country’s ethical and civic foundation, citing the collapse of the disciplined social structure historically rooted in Buddhist values.
The President highlighted that although Buddhism, introduced over 2,000 years ago, laid the groundwork for a disciplined, educated, and cultured society, that structure has eroded over time. He pointed to alarming institutional decay, stating:
“Some members of the police have reached a point where they protect criminals. Certain officers at the Immigration and Emigration Department are issuing travel documents illegally. Underworld figures have been granted passports. Some Prisons Department officials have unlawfully released inmates. Even within the Motor Traffic Department, some officers are engaged in illegal activities.”
He stressed that citizens no longer view state institutions with trust or peace of mind, urging the need for a national civic renewal guided by Buddhist philosophy. “A well-disciplined civic programme must be established to foster a sense of civic responsibility among the people,” he said, adding that the teachings of the Buddha could provide the ethical foundation for such a transformation.
Reflecting on the spiritual and cultural impact of Arahant Mahinda Thera’s arrival in Mihintale, President Dissanayake described it as a civilisational turning point that shaped Sri Lankan identity. He questioned how the Poson Festival could be meaningfully celebrated without honouring Mihintale’s historical significance and called for its preservation for future generations.
The President also outlined the government’s initiative to restore and redevelop the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the cradle of Sri Lankan civilisation, citing support pledged by the Prime Minister of India. The reconstruction plan includes revitalising the country’s first city, reservoir, surgical facility, and irrigation canals such as Yodha Ela, while restoring the nation’s cultural heritage.
Underscoring the broader civilisational contributions of Buddhism, he said:
“More than two thousand years ago, Buddhism introduced a transformative change in education by transforming temples into centres of learning—Pirivenas—which imparted spiritual and secular knowledge. For this, our monastic leaders deserve the nation’s utmost gratitude.”
He concluded by stating that a disciplined and ethical society is essential for the country’s progress, and reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to reform and rebuild public institutions, appealing to citizens to unite in this national mission.
This year’s National Poson Festival was the first to be held under state patronage in two years. The Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Most Venerable Dr. Walawahengunawawe Dhammarathana Thera, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the President for reviving the tradition. The welcome address was delivered by Viharadikari Venerable Surukkulame Indrarathana Thera.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, Deputy Ministers Gamagedara Dissanayakeand Susil Ranasinghe, MPs Sena Nanayakkara, Thilina Tharuka Samarakoon, and Bhagya Sri Herath, and Anuradhapura District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya, along with a large gathering of devotees.
