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PM Rajapaksa calls on prelates of Malwatte and Asgiriya
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa meeting the Malwatte Chapter Mahanayake (left) and Asgiriya Chapter Anunayake yesterday
The Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter yesterday urged the newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to dedicate himself to serve the public.
The Prime Minister called on the Malwatte Mahanayake Thera after paying homage to the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
Earlier the premier was warmly welcomed by Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Delabandara and Basnayaka Nilames of the four Maha Develas at the entrance to the Maligawa.
The Malwatte Mahanayake, the Ven. Thibbatuwe Sri Sidhartha Sumangala Thera, told the premier that though the president was elected by the votes of the Sinhala Buddhist majority, when serving the country everyone should be treated equally.
The Mahanayake Thera stressed that more attention need be given to strengthen the livelihood of people who face hardships.
He advised the premier to use the wisdom and experiences gained, while being Leader of the Opposition, Prime Minster and President of the country.
“The people of the country, irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity, are calling for service and support. Therefore, the government should strengthen them by serving them well,” the Mahanayake said.
Thereafter the premier visited the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya. The Anunayaka of the Asgiriya Chapater, Anamaduwe Dammadassi Thera, who welcomed the premier chanted pirith to bless him.
The Anunayaka thera delivering an Anusasana advised the Prime Minister to serve all the people during the interim period upto the next parliamentary elections.
He also urged both the President and the Prime Minister to work in harmony to avoid the mistakes made by the previous government.
“The people of the country have voted to make national security a priority. Now the government must help the suffering masses by easing their burdens. Ministers should not live luxurious lives but should serve the people who voted for them,” he emphasised.