New President should uplift the poor, protect religion and race: Atamasthanadhipathi

By Ajith Siriwardana and B. G. Chathuranga   

The responsibility of uplifting the lives of the innocent people of this country and protecting the nation, race and religion now rests on the shoulders of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Atamasthanadhipathi Most Venerable Pallekumbura Hemarathana Nayake Thera said over the weekend.   

The Thera made this remark when President Dissanayake visited the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura to pay homage and receive blessings.   

The Thera pointed out that, as a leader emerging from the North Central Province (Raja Rata), the President has a special obligation to improve the lives of the people in the region who have long endured hardships.   

The Chief Prelate said that the current political environment is not conducive to someone with wisdom and insight. However, the Maha Sangha believes that the new President has the ability to foster a healthy political culture in the country.   

Venerable Hemarathana Thera also highlighted the importance of establishing a National Policy, stressing that if the President can craft a long-term, beneficial national policy with the support of all Members of Parliament, it will be a significant achievement.   

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the Sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura to pay homage and receive blessings and engaged in a brief discussion with the Atamasthanadhipathi, Chief Sanghanayaka of Nuwara Kalaviya, and Chief Administrator of the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya, Most Venerable Pallekumbura Hemarathana Nayake Thera.