The new State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene said he would preserve the security of the country and allow all the government institutions to function independently and allow the three forces to perform their duties with dignity.

The minister expressed these views when he met the Mahanayaka Theras of the Malwatta, Asgiriya and Ramanna Sectors in Kandy.

Minister Wijewardene visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa and offered flowers to the Temple of the Tooth Relic before meeting the Mahanayaka Theras today.

He was welcomed by the Diyawadana Nilame, Pradeep Nilanga Dela who led him to the special chamber of the Tooth Relic where blessings was invoked on him by the Chief Incumbent of the Polonnaruwa Dolosmasthana  and committee member of the Asgiri  Chapter Ven. Vendaruwe Upali Thera and the Assistant Secretary of the Asgiri Chapter Ven. Dr. Narampanawe Ananda Thera.

The Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter, Ven.  Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Thera, delivering a special advisory speech, stressed the importance of the roles played by the security forces  and the police to preserve the unitary status of Sri Lanka and deployment of the forces in all parts of the country.

The thera also touched on the implementation of the 100-day-programme and urged the government to maximise their efforts within the limited time period given to them. The thera also asked them to be wary of and responsive to the possible minor calamities that may arise in the country due to the inducements given by groups living abroad.

The thera also advised them to perform as a united government leaving aside party differences and vengeance.

Minister Wijewardene said he was aware of the magnitude of the task before him but promised to perform his duties honestly under the guidance of the President and the Prime Minister. He also said that they were against following the path of vengeance, but would take appropriate measures against those involved in corruption, if detected.

The minister also called on the Mahanayaka of the Malwatta Chapter, Ven Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera at the Malwatta Temple. The Mahanayaka thera urged him to work for the abolishment of the preference vote system and requested him not to allow any action that would aid separatism in the country that would threaten the peace that the country and the people now enjoy.

The Mahanayaka Thera invoked blessings on the minister for him to successfully carry out his duties.

The minister, in response, said that the government would take steps to abolish the preference voting system after considering the problems of the minorities. He said that they would not allow divisions to take place in the country and would not reduce the security measures in the north.Now that a national government had been established he said that the 100-day-programme would be implemented.

Central Provincial Council member  Chanaka Ilapperuma, Major General  Mano Perera, army media officer  Brigadier  Ruwan Wanigsuriya ,  Brigadier M.M. Kithsiri, Brigadier Nalin Senadeera, Lieutenant Col. Pallekelle, Commanding Officer of the Rifle Brigade Kumara Jagoda, Lieutenant Col. Chadrathilaka were also present at the occasion.(J.A.L. Jayasinghe)


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