Premier offers floral tribute to Mahathma Ghandhi

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa offered floral tribute in a ceremony held at Temple Trees on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mahathma Gandhi on Friday. Deputy High Commissioner of India Vinod K Jacob represented the High Commissioner, along with other Indian diplomats, a statement from the Indian High Commission said.  

This Birth Anniversary marked the culmination of two years of celebration of 150th year of the birth of Mahathma Gandhi.   

After the ceremony, Hon. Prime Minister reminised about Mahathma Gandhi’s famous visit to Sri Lanka. Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Vinod K. Jacob recounted that Mahathma Gandhi had toured Sri Lanka extensively in 1927 from Galle to Point Pedro. In his address to students at Ananda College, Mahathma Gandhi had spoken about Gautam Buddha and said  said,”His was the right path, right speech, right thought and conduct. He gave us the unadulterated law of mercy.” The Deputy High Commissioner further noted that Buddhist principles which were a great influence on Mahatma Gandhi had been enshrined in the Indian Constitution.  The Deputy High Commissioner also conveyed his gratitude to Minister Namal Rajapaksa for his tweet recalling Gandhiji’s legacy and noted that it would contribute towards acquainting young minds with Gandhian philosophy and ideals.   

A 42-inch bust of Gandhiji in a meditative posture, sculpted by National Awardee of India sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, was installed at the Temple Trees last year to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahathma Gandhi.