The official handover of the Sri Sobitha Nahimigama housing project to its beneficiaries took place on July 12 at Oyamadua, Elpathagama in the Anuradhapura District, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
During the event, 115 houses under the project were handed over to the public and the housing project was implemented with the support of the Commemoration Foundation of the Most Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero, the current government, and the Government of India.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister unveiled the commemorative plaque and symbolically handed over the keys to three selected housing recipients. The Prime Minister also planted a sapling within the temple grounds.
Addressing the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
The late Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero made a significant commitment to this village during his lifetime. We appreciate the efforts of the Commemoration Foundation engaged in discussions with both the Sri Lankan and Indian governments to improve the living conditions of the people here after his Reverend’s passing.
From a young age, I had the opportunity to associate closely with Venerable Sobitha Thero. I learned about Buddhism from him. He taught me to stand up against injustice and fight for what is right.
While we focus on developing the economy physically, we are engaged in shaping the future of our children. We are ensuring that they receive a quality education that prepares them to become the next generation of leaders of this country through education reforms.
The Chief Incumbent of the Sri Sobitha Temple, Rev. Elpathagama Revatha Thero,
Back then, Venerable Sobitha Thero supported this village by even sharing items he received for the temple, like sugar and tea leaves. He was a truly exemplary Bhikku.
When this project began in 2017, politicians visited the village but as they were not allowed to act as they pleased like cutting down trees, harming animals, piling up sand, or engaging in corruption, they abandoned the project.
In 2017, I went to meet a certain minister to request that the village bus be given a proper timetable. However during the meeting, he threw my letter in my face. That is how the previous governments treated these poor people.
I personally requested the President to complete this project by May 2025. True to his word, he fulfilled that promise and handed over the responsibility to the Prime Minister to proceed. Our Minister of Housing, Anura Karunathilaka, visited every house in the village. All relevant officials were instructed to complete the project on the requested date. The present government extended great support to ensure this work was completed successfully.
Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Mr. Wasantha Samarasinghe, who participated in the event, stated:
For long-neglected villages like this, providing essential facilities such as hospitals, reservoirs, and education is a must. Delivering these is the responsibility of our government.
We have a procedure to connect village productions to the broader markets under the cooperative system.
Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing, Mr. Anura Karunathilaka, added:
We are working to provide safe and healthy housing for all under the policies of the National People’s Power (NPP). This year, we are investing a significant amount to build new houses.
When we visited this village, we saw the suffering of the people. Our government is committed to uplifting their lives.
Indian High Commissioner Mr. Santosh Jha, who also attended the event, stated:
At this moment, India is progressing under the theme ’Let us rise together,’ and Sri Lanka too is on a transformative path towards prosperity and a better life, this joint project between the Indian and Sri Lankan governments is a strong example of the deep bond between our two nations.
The teachings of Buddhism continue not only to inspire the strong ties and mutual support between our countries but also the project launched by the governments of India and Sri Lanka to facilitate the economic relief indicates the compassion highlighted in Buddhism.
The event was graced by the presence of the Chief Incumbent of the Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara, Most Venerable Thanthirimale Chandraratana Thero and Maha sangha.
The event was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Housing Development, Construction, and Housing, Mr. T.B. Sarath; former Speaker Mr. Karu Jayasuriya; MP for Anuradhapura District Mr. Sene Nanayakkara; Chairman of the Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero Foundation Mr. Ravi Jayawardena; housing beneficiaries; and a large gathering of local residents.
Prime Minister’s Media Division