News
Sithulpawwa chief incumbent says Prez on the right path
Chief Incumbent of the historic Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara, Ven. Mataramba Hemaratna Thera, on Saturday (1), advised President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to continue with his policies, which he said were welcome. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met the Thera after taking part in a religious ceremony at the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara.
The President’s Media Division has, in a statement, quoted Ven. Mataramba Hemaratna Thera as having told President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that his journey was on the right path in line with Saubhagyaye Dekma (Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour) Policy Statement. If the project succeeded, the next generation would be able to experience the results.
“There are some people who depend on foreign funds and their task is to oppose whatever good things are 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 achieved its objectives the country would be very fortunate. Ven. Mataramba Hemaratna Thera said, “There are people who are eying 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.”
President Rajapaksa, after paying homage to the Datu Mandiraya of the temple, called on the Maha Sangha, including the Chief Incumbent of the temple Ven. Mataramba Hemaratna Thera.
The President handed over the ‘Sannas Pathra’ of declaring the historic Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara as a sacred place to Ven. Mataramba Hemaratna Thera.
The President and other Ministers presented the “Free Grant Certificates” that pronounced naming of four temples adjacent to the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara as sacred places, to the Chief Incumbents of the respective temples.
The foundation stones for the constructions of ‘Wahalkada’ on the road towards Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara were laid under the patronage of Ministers Chamal Rajapaksa, Mahinda Amaraweera and State Minister D.V. Chanaka.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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