President looks to Anuradhapura era for insights

President Ranil Wickremesinghe offers Akta Pathra (Credentials) to new Atamasthan Adhipathi, the Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Siam Maha Nikaya, Malwathu Chapter, Nuwara Kalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya premises.
Pic by Dayarathne Embogama  

By Dayarathne Embogama  

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said the rulers of the Anuradhapura Kingdom had built a prosperous economy without dependng on loans and that he would develop the country’s economy to that of past glory from 5-10 years for the nation to live with dignity. 

Addressing the state ceremony to present credentials to the Anuradhapura Atamasthanadhipathy , Chief Sanghanayake of Malwatte Chapter in Nuwara Kalaviya Ven.Pallegama Hemarathana Thera last morning at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi ground he said it was that the nation would celebrate the 75th anniversary of independence at a time of immense difficulties.   
He said when he took over as President he made a request for the restructuring of debts but they informed to work out a plan for debt servicing. He pointed out that it was not possible to stabilize the economy without aid.   

‘ With this in view we must increase the government’s revenue by 75 percent in two years and it is a serious challenge. The IMF advised to subject to taxation those receiving an income of Rs.45,000 per month but the government was able to increase it to an income of Rs.150,000.” The President said.   President presented the credentials while Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene presented the ornamental fan to the Sanghanayake Thera.

“ I fulfilled a tradition that commenced during the time of the British Governor Sir Edward Barnes. Today I presented credential to the Atamasthanadhipati Ven. Pallegama Thera. The Ven. Thera has been known to me since long. When I was Minister of Industries , I worked out a plan to modernize the Wesak greeting cards. On my request Ven.Rambukkana Siddhartha Thera composed a song. Then I spoke to Ven. Hemarathana Thera who composed another song. Today they are veteran lyrists. He is carrying forward the tradition created by Ven. Weedagama Maithree Thera and Ven, Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Thera. Ven. Pallegama Thera has been destined to be the Chief Incumbent of Anuradhapura Atamasthana including Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi which the oldest tree in the world.