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President conferred ‘Sri Lankadheeshwara Padma Vibhushana’ title

03 Jan 2022

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was bestowed with the title of “Sri Lankadheeshwara Padma Vibhushana” by the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha yesterday (2). The President’s official Facebook page stated that the title was conferred in recognition of the leadership and necessity of President Rajapaksa to the Sri Lankan motherland, as well as the President’s unblemished past and present record. It was conferred on the President by Chief Prelate of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha Ven. Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara Anu Nayake Maha Thera. This title came a day after the President participated in a religious ceremony held at the historic Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya, where he handed over the “Sannas Pathra” of declaring the historic Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara as a sacred place to Ven. Mataramba Hemaratna Thera, after Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Secretary Prof. Kapila Gunawardana announced it. President Rajapaksa, after paying homage to the Datu Mandiraya of the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya last Saturday (1), called on the Maha Sangha, including Chief Incumbent of the temple Ven. Mataramba Hemaratna Thera. The President and other ministers also presented the “Free Grant Certificates” that pronounced the naming of four temples adjacent to the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara as sacred places, to the Chief Incumbents of the respective temples. Ven. Hemaratna Thera, delivering the sermon, said: “President, your journey is on the right path which is in line with ‘Saubhagyaye Dekma’ (Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour) policy statement. If it succeeds, the next generation will be able to experience the results. “There are some people in this country who depend on foreign funds and their task is to oppose whatever good things done for the betterment of the people. They also spoiled the President’s pure intentions to create a healthy nation by providing a toxic-free diet.” The Thera further said that if the “Saubhagyaye Dekma” succeeds, the country will be very fortunate. Ven. Hemaratna Thera further said: “There are people who are eyeing to gain power as well as who cannot wait another few more years to reap the benefits of the ‘Saubhagyaye Dekma’ while having envious feelings towards the progress of the country.” The foundation stones for the constructions of “wahalkada” on the road towards Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara were laid under the patronage of Ministers Chamal Rajapaksa and Mahinda Amaraweera and State Minister D.V. Chanaka. The event was attended by the President and Minister Namal Rajapaksa. The President also participated in the Jayasanka Pooja and the Bodhi Pooja held amidst “hewisi”. Southern Province Governor Willy Gamage, MPs Ajith Rajapakse and Sudarshana Denipitiya, Secretaries to the Ministries of Defence and Public Security, commanders of the three armed forces, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) were also present during the religious observances.


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