President, Prime Minister, new Ministers pay homage to Maha Nayakas

President, Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers 

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and the newly sworn-in Ministers paid homage to the Maha Nayakas of the three Nikayas this week.

It is the first time in history that the State leader and the Cabinet had visited the Maha Nayaka Theros of the three Nikayas on the day of their appointment to Ministerial portfolios.

Maha Nayaka of the Malwatte Chapter Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero, Anunayakas Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijitha Thero, Most Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaldhamma Thero, Registrar Most Ven. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Thero, and the other members of the Sangha Council invoked blessings upon the President and the Ministers led by the Prime Minister, during their visit to Malwathu Maha Vihara on Wednesday.

Anunayaka Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijitha Thero said that the citizens had mandated overall power to the President and Government to move forward independently at the General Election. 

The Anunayaka Thero requested them to understand the gravity of the mandate, and to act meaningfully as responsible public representatives, to lead the country as a prosperous and secure nation. The Anunayaka Thero also invoked blessings to overcome challenges they will face.

Thereafter, the President, Prime Minister and Ministers paid homage to the Maha Nayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter, Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnarathna Thero, and Anunayakas Most Ven. Anamaduwe Dhammadissi Nayaka Thero, Most Ven. Vendaruwe Upali Nayaka Thero, and the General Registrar Most Ven. Medagama Dhammananda Nayaka Thero. 

During his Anushasana, Most Ven. Anamaduwe Dhammadissi Nayaka Thero stated that it is fortunate to elect a duo who loves Sri Lanka. The Thero also praised the scientific method applied to appoint both Cabinet and State Ministers.

The Most Venerable Napana Pemasiri Thero, the Maha Nayaka of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya, stated that he will invoke blessings on the new Government, including the President and the Prime Minister, to serve the nation.

The Maha Nayaka Thero made these remarks invoking blessings on the President, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet of Ministers, when they visited the Menikhinna Hurikaduwa Vidyasagara Pirivena.

Most Ven. Ankumbure Premawansa Thero, the Anunayaka of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya, pointed out that the Pirivena education has not been given its due recognition in the recent past.

Most Ven. Premawansa Nayaka Thero said that with the new initiatives being carried out by the President and the Prime Minister, the country has been given a new lease of life, adding that both leaders can foresee what the country needs. The Thero said that the new Ministers have been given the responsibility to promote Sri Lanka’s unique identity.  

The President and the Prime Minister, who also visited the Getambe Rajopavanarama Temple, called on the Most Ven. Keppetiyagoda Sirivimala Thero and received blessings.

The Nayaka Thero said that the people have fulfilled their duty in this election and the new Ministers should be committed to fulfil the duty entrusted to the new Government, and added that the Maha Sangha will extend their blessing for the endeavours of the new Government.