17 August 2020 12:04 am
By Lahiru Pothmulla
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said the contribution made by the Amarapura Nikaya to create a talented and intelligent Sangha fraternity/ generation was immense.
Prime Minister Rajapaksa expressed these views at the opening ceremony of the Sangha Sabha building of the Amarapura Nikaya at No:70, Galle Road, Colombo 6 on Saturday.
Mr. Rajapaksa said the Amarapura Nikaya had no Sangha Sabha building so far though the Nikaya was initiated some 217 years ago. “I am very much delighted to be given the opportunity to award the land for the construction of the Sangha Sabha building. I also commend the efforts by Vice Chairman of the Amarapura Nikaya Dayaka Sabha, Ajith de Soyza, to complete the construction of the building.
During the time of Kandyan Kingdom, the Upasampada was confined to one faction of the society. Therefore, it says the Amarapura Nikaya was established to give opportunity for anyone to be ordained irrespective of social status. The Most Venerable Kotugoda Dhammawasa Mahanayake Thera, the current Nayaka Thera of the chapter, has been contributing immensely to the Sasana by conducting thousands of Dhamma sermons. I wish a long and healthy life to the Venerable Thera,” Prime Minister Rajapaksa said.
He said at a time when some prelates fight for parliamentary seats, it was commendable the efforts such as the one taken to open up the new Sangha Sabha building.
Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa Mahanayake Thera, Ven. Ganthune Assaji Thera, Ven. Dodampahala Chandrasiri Thera, Ven. Pallekande Rathanasara Thera, Ven. Ahungalle Siri Seela Visuddi Thera, Ven. Professor Kotapitiye Rahula Thera, Ven. Aththangane Rathana Thera, former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, Mr. Ajith De Soyza, former MP Ruwan Wijewardene and others were present at the opening of the new building.