Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena recalled that Fourteen hundred thousand acres owned by our temples were confiscated by the then British government. He said this while speaking at the ceremony of awarding credentials for the title of Anunayaka of Ramagna Maha Nikaya to Venerable Sri Sugatha Sasanavamshalankara Kavidhaja Vimalavamsavithamsa Dharmakeerthi Sri Saddharmasoori Dr. Waleboda Gunasiri Thera of Sri Jayawardenepura Mayurapada Pirivena on 14.05.2023.

The Prime Minister in his speech highlighted that;

“Acknowledging the great service that the Venerable Waleboda Nayaka Thera has performed for the perpetuation of Buddha Sasana, will be an impetus to the hearts of the Buddhist people of our country.
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The Prime Minister pointed out that even though it has been more than three months since the instructions were given to submit a district development plan, the district secretaries have not taken steps to submit even a rough plan, and reiterated that the plan should be submitted immediately.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena mentioned this when the committee for preparing a suitable program for monitoring the activities of the local governments met at Temple Trees on 12.05.2023.

Many matters and methods including continuity of various projects implemented by the local government institutions, management of financial allocations of those institutions, supervision and maintenance of all activities are coordinated MORE >>

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that with the government’s decision to upgrade the nursing college into a university, an opportunity has arisen to make a revolutionary transformation in nursing service of the country. He said this on the occasion of International Nurses Day at the celebration event organized by Public Service United Nurses Union at Temple Trees on 12.05.2023.

The Prime Minister further stated that;

Today is International Nurses Day. On International Nurses Day, the Public Service United Nurses Association continues to serve our country under the leadership of Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Nayaka Thera. The field of nursing was committed to the future as one of the main fields re MORE >>

A delegation of Vietnam Buddhist handed over a consignment of medicine to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees today (May 11).

This donation was symbolically handed over to the Prime Minister by Most Venerable Thich Vien Minh, Vice Supreme Patriarch of the Council of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. Thereafter, the Prime Minister handed over this consignment of medicine worth US$ 20,000 to Secretary to the Health Ministry Janaka Chandraguptha.

Most Ven Thich Vien Minh said that Vietnamese Buddhists have a special respect for Sri Lanka as this country supported the long-drawn freedom struggle of Vietnam. Vietnam Ambassador Ho Thi Thanh Truc said Sri Lanka has close relationship with Vietnam even before  MORE >>

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena instructed senior officials to explore ways and means of early resumption of the Lower Malwathuoya Project that has been halted due to scarcity of funds. He asked the officials to examine the possibility of linking the project with the completed Yan Oya Project of which the reservoir could be used as a mega solar power generation platform by installing floating solar panels. Such a project could generate electricity for the national grid and also earn funds for completion of the Lower Malwathuoya Project.

These issues were discussed after examining a project proposal submitted by the Sinomach China CAMC Engineering Corporation which has built the Yan Oya dam.

Chief Representati MORE >>

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena stressed that it is essential to prepare a systematic report of data on the school dropouts expeditiously. Addressing the Regional Development Committee meeting held at the Maharagama Divisional Secretariat on 08.05.2023, he pointed out that it will be difficult to implement proper programs targeting the future of those children without clear information about the children who dropout of school.

If children who leave school at the end of G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations for various reasons do not engage in higher education, their personal development would be affected apart from creating a social issue. The Prime Minister pointed out that it is essential that the children MORE >>

Unveiling the pinnacle of Chaithya built in Madanwala Rajamaha Vihara, Hanguranketha and enshrining the sacred relics of the Buddha discovered during the excavation in Lahugala Neelagiri Seya, Ampara, were conducted under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on 05.07.2023.

Maha Sangha including Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Maha Nayaka Thera of the Asgiri sect, Warellagama Sumangala Thera Incumbent of Madanwala Rajamaha Vihara, Hanguranketha and Members of Parliament S. B. Dissanayake, C. B. Ratnayake, Yadamini Gunawardena, Central Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage and many devotees participated on this occasion. MORE >>

Prime mister Dinesh Gunawardena said there is a growing demand for fish products in Europe as well as in countries including Japan ad Sri Lankan fishing sector could cater to that demand by increasing fish production. He added that Cey-Nor Foundation, as the largest boat builders in Sri Lanka could make a major contribution by expanding fiber boat production.

Speaking at the 55th anniversary celebrations of the Cey Nor Foundation at Sri Lanka Foundation in Colombo today (May 8), he said Sri Lanka should use sea resources including fish as the future lies in increasing export of new products.

Launching the Cey-Nor website and the 5-year development plan, the Prime Minister said no establishment could grow with MORE >>

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena declares open the Gangarama Buddha Rashmi Wesak Zone on May 5. Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Minister Tiran Alles MPs Wajira Abeywardena and Yadamini Gunawardena and Buddhist devotees participated in this event MORE >>

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena declared open the Sacred Relics exposition at the Bauddhaloka Mawatha Wesak Zone on May 5. MORE >>

The exposition of Sacred Relics of Sariyuth, Mugalan Chief Deciples of The Buddha was inaugurated at the Maha Bodhi Temple with the participation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

The Mahasangha including President of Maha Bodhi Society Ven Banagala Upatissa Thera, Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay and a large gathering of devotees were present on this occasion. MORE >>

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was blessed at the sacred Buddha relics chamber at the Kelaniya Rajamahaviharaya by the Chief Incumbent Ven Dr Kollupitiye Mahinda Dhammarakkitha Nayake Thera to mark inauguration of Dhammadeepani programme organized at the Temple Trees on Wesak Full Moon Day. A procession took place from the Temple Trees to Walukaramaya Temple in Kollupitiya where the sermon was conducted by Ven Dr Maitipe Wimalasara Nayake Thera, Chief Incumbent of Paramadhamma Chethiya Privena and Deputy President of World Buddhist Conference.

Ministers Manusha Nanayakkara, Sisira Jayakody, MPs Jagath Kumara and Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon and Buddhist  MORE >>

National Vesak Festival was held at the Kebellawa Rathnasiri Piriven Viharasthanaya in Chilaw on 4th May with the patronage of Prime Minister’ Dinesh Gunawardena.

Issuance of 4 special stamps, handing over of Pooja Bhoomi Sannaspathra to 6 temples and several religious activities took place on this occasion.

The Mahasangha of the Three Nikayes, Minister’s, MPs, Ambassadors and large number of devotees were present on this occasion. MORE >>

A senior delegation of the Shanghai Corporation Organization’s Trade and Economic Multi-Functional Platform called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees on Wednesday (May 3) to discuss ways and means of establishing cooperation.

The Prime Minister urged the delegation to support Sri Lanka to upgrade suburban transport services in Sri Lanka using modern technical knowhow. He also requested to facilitate e-commerce modules for Sri Lanka to enter into online trade with the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

He also asked to establish cooperation between Shanghai City and Colombo City under the MoU signed in 2002.

Mr. Chen Tao, Executive Director MORE >>

The Vesak full moon day is the most sacred day of all Buddhists around the world. From time immemorial, the discipline inculcated from Buddhism greatly influenced the strengthening of national and religious harmony, and it also helped us to stand proudly in front of the world.

Today, the mankind is so keen in defining the life and there is growing interest to follow the path of Buddhism as it teaches the true philosophy of life. When people become disgruntled with the materialistic world, they are naturally tempted to search the tranquility taught in Buddhist philosophy.

Not only that, the self-management taught in Buddhism can also contribute to alleviating the crisis situation we are facing today.
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Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena paid respectful felicitations to leading Buddhists monks who were awarded honours by the Republic of Myanmar at the Temple Trees on May 3. Ven. Prof. Kamburugamuwe Wajira Thera was honoured with highest award of Abhidajamaha Rattaguru award by Myanmar. Several other monks were also awarded by Myanmar.

Myanmar’ prestigious title of Aggamahapanditha has been awarded to Ven Omare Kassapa Thera, Ven Inguruwatte Piyananda Thera and Ven Prof. Muwaatagama Gnananada Thera and the title Saddhammajyothikadaja has been awarded to Ven Getaberikande Rathanasara Thera.

By awarding our leading monks by Myanmar has not only recognized their immense services for Buddha Dhamma but also  MORE >>

On a concept of Venerable Elle Gunawamsa Thera, Incumbent of Dharmayathana, the inauguration of a special programme in Colombo and Island-wide to mark Vesak Festival took place with the hoisting of Buddhist flags on thousand passenger Three- wheelers with the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at Dharmayathana, Colombo 07 today (May 03).

Delivering a speech at the occasion the Prime Minister stated that the contribution of Venerable Elle Gunawamsa Thera is commendable in order to further promote Vesak festival in the especial Vesak Zone in and around Dharmayathana. On behalf of the government, we would like to thank all the people led by the Mahasangha for participating in the display of the Buddhist flag on Thre MORE >>

The Chief of the Air Staff of Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees today (May 3).

The Prime Minister thanked India for continuous support given to Sri Lanka and expressed his gratitude to the Indian Air Force for immediately responding to the call for support during recent maritime disasters in Sri Lankan waters.

Air Marshal Choudhury said India would build a ’Friendship Auditorium’ at the Sri Lanka Airforce Base in Trincomalee as a symbol of close cooperation between the two Air Forces. He said the two Air Forces would conduct a joint exercise on disaster management in the last quarter of this year in Sri Lanka water MORE >>