President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that instead of leading a life focused solely on personal interests, every citizen should commit themselves to a journey dedicated to the collective welfare. The President further noted that the 75 years of life and 64 years of monastic service of Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero stand as a profound example of such a path.

The President made these remarks this afternoon (28) at the “Yathindrabhivandana Mahothsawaya ” the grand felicitation ceremony held to mark the 75th birth anniversary of Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero. The event took place at the Ruhunu Magampura International Conference Hall in Hambantota.

President Disanayake noted that the country, once veering toward incivility, must now be guided back to a path of discipline and moral values, with the Maha Sangha bearing a significant responsibility in this transformation. He reaffirmed that the government will fulfill its obligations in this regard with utmost commitment.

The President emphasized the necessity for a new moral and value framework in the creation of a good and civilized society, reminding us that this is the reason he remarked that on the path to civilization, “We need to let go of our out-dated ideologies and adopt new ones.”

The President further pointed out that achieving a turning point in national discipline cannot be accomplished merely through changes in political power but requires deep societal engagement built on noble principles and shared values.

Recalling the unwavering principles upheld by Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero, the President lauded his quality of “Ujuppatipanna” (upright conduct). He emphasized that the highest tribute one can offer to the venerable monk is to internalize and live by the values he demonstrated throughout his 75 years of life and monastic service.

Founder of the Sri Bodhiraja Foundation and Chief Sanghanayaka of Dakshina Lanka of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero has long stood at the forefront of national, religious and social reform courageously leading the way during times of crisis and advocating for the betterment of the nation, the Buddha Sasana and its people.

The ceremony was organized to honour his outstanding national, social and religious contributions, and to offer prayers for his continued health and long life.

At the event, Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero presented two of his publications “Prayogika Budusamaya” (Practical Buddhism) and “Ana Guna Saha Bana” to President Dissanayake. In addition, a commemorative gift was presented to the President by Ven. Sangharaja Thero of Cambodia.

A special commemorative CD featuring the tribute song “Acharya Poojya Omalpe Sobhitha Na Himi” sung by a student of Bodhiraja College and Sri Bodhiraja Dhamma School Visharada Dulitha Menuja was also handed over to the President.

This significant event was held under the patronage of the Mahanayaka of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Makulewe Wimala Thero and was attended by the Chief Prelate of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithrimoorthi Thero, the Tri-Nikaya Maha Sangha, led by Most Venerable Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Nayaka Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Sri Pada Temple, the Chief Sanganayaka of the of the Sabaragamuwa Province of the Mahavihara lineage Shyamopali Maha Nikaya, the Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University, the Chief Prelate of the Jogye Order of Korea and the Chief Prelate of the Sanghesa Buddhist Vihara, the Venerable Yondam Mahimip Thero, and a group of foreign lay and monastic guests, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, the Governor of the Southern Province Bandula Harischandra, Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province Champa Janaki Rajaratne, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and members of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya Dayaka Sabha were present.

[PMD]