By. Harippriya Peiris
Yesterday (23rd) morning, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has visited the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, where he paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic and received blessings.
During his visit, the President traveled to the Malwathu Maha Vihara, where he had the opportunity to meet with the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Nahimi, the Mahanayake of the Malwathu chapter. The President inquired about the well-being of the esteemed monk and engaged in a brief conversation. On this occasion, the Malwathu Maha Nayaka Thero, accompanied by the Sangha, chanted Seth Pirith and offered blessings to the President.
Following this, the President visited the Asgiri Maha Viharaya, where he met with the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thero, the Chief Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter, and received his blessings. During the visit, the President also engaged in a brief conversation with the Most Venerable Thero.
During a recent visit to Jaffna following his victory, the President emphasized the importance of organizing a ‘cultural festival’ that encompasses all communities. In parallel, President Anura Dissanayake announced in a media statement that arrangements are underway to host a special Dalada exhibition for the public after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
The President said in front of the media that the former governments have not held a ‘Dalada exhibition’ in sixteen years.
President Dissanayake mentioned that discussions regarding this were held today with the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters. Furthermore, President Anura stated that with the involvement of the Governor of the Central Province, the Kandy District Secretary, other state officials, and the Diyawadana Nilame of the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa, necessary preparations for the event have been agreed upon.
In response to questions from journalists, the President assured that there is no threat to national security in the country. While acknowledging the existence of conflicts among underworld groups, he emphasized that these do not pose a danger to public safety. The President further highlighted that the current government is taking decisive steps to dismantle the underworld, which has flourished under political protection in the past.
Furthermore, President Anura Dissanayake stated that the government also expects the Provincial Council elections to be held as soon as possible. Mr Dissanayake clarified that there are no legal obstacles for the Election Commission to conduct the elections and that the government has allocated the necessary funds for this purpose. He also expressed confidence that the Election Commission will promptly set a date for the elections.
This event was attended by Minister Samantha Vidyarathna, Deputy Ministers Dr. Prasanna Gunasena and Dr. Hansaka Wijayamuni, Kandy District MP Thushari Jayasinghe, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara, and others.