President Attends Amarapura Day Celebrations

Colombo (News 1st): President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the profound connection between Buddhism and the modern scientific and technological world, highlighting that the teachings of Buddha offer insights to win future global challenges.

The President said that he is discussing the establishment of a new institution in the country where Buddhist philosophy including the Thripitaka can be studied, the history, civilization and the spread of Buddhism in the world and where knowledge of Pali, culture and other languages can be developed. He also expressed that its objective is to revive the legacy of the Anuradhapura Maha Vihara.

President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during his participation in the Amarapura Day celebration of The Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, held at the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Auditorium yesterday (08).

The Amarapura Maha Nikaya was founded in 1802 through the dedicated efforts of Venerable Welitara Mahakarave Gnanavimalatissa Thero. Amarapura Maha Nikaya has been led by eminent figures such as Most Venerable Madihe Pannaseeha Thero, Most Venerable Agga Maha Panditha Balangoda Ananda Maithri Maha Nayaka Thero, Most Venerable Dawuldena Gnanissara Maha Nayaka Thero, Most Venerable Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thero and Most Venerable Dodampahala Chandasiri Mahanayaka Thero.

The Amarapura Day commemorated the 222-year legacy of the founders who dedicated themselves to the Sambuddha Sasana. The event was organized by the Sabaragamuwa Amarapura Samagri Sangha Sabha.

Acting Chairman of Amarapura Maha Nikaya Most Venerable Mahodhyapadha Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthy Maha Nayaka Thero presided over the ceremony. All 22 Mahanayaka Theros representing the Amarapura Maha Nikaya were in attendance, and the president paid homage to their esteemed presence.

In recognition of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s efforts for the improvement of the country and the support of all factions within the Amarapura Nikaya, a commemorative gift was presented to him.

Furthermore, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Governor Navin Dissanayake was bestowed with the honorary title of ‘Janahithakami Sasanabandhu’ by Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthy Maha Nayaka Thero, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha.