The minister stated this on 27.05.2024 at the time of laying the foundation stone of Chaityarajaya Purana Raja Maha Vihara, Wariyapola, Nuwara Kanda.
The Prime Minister said in his speech -
This historical land is a land where the foundation of civilization was built in the history of our country.
Arahath Mahinda brought the light of Buddhism to a civilized nation and gave a great gift to the village.
During the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, coming to build the first capital of Sirilaka and as a result of the various discussions the king had with Dambadiva. To mark that, on the sacred Poson day next week will be engaged in religious activities in every temple in the country, commemorating the path that Mihindu Maharahat established the Sambuddha Order.
In order to preserve the history of a land that has such a glorious history, not only temples but also civilization were built in thousands of villages.
The center of that civilization is the temple.
A land where we can say the heritage of farming rice and building a nation.
Even today the world is discussing about Sri Lanka because of the various methods used that can be an example for the whole world with water.
Being an island, we are a country that has always been subject to the use and threat of the sea route.
In order to protect the country, the kings of those days were able to get special strength from the villages, so they were able to protect our freedom.
At different times we were relegated to foreign invaders. We moved forward again.
We have dedicated ourselves for the development projects to develop the agriculturally rich areas, which are considered as the lake-connected state that feeds thousands of lakes through the Deduru Oya Reservoir, and to move the water to other areas.
In the past, our country’s economy fell into a precipice.
During the Second World War, the country fell to such a precipice during the British period.
At that time, people had to eat anything they could get hold of.
One of the main factors that helped rebuild our country was our farmers.
We will become a self-sufficient country by trusting the farmers.
Through that, not only our food production but also the money otherwise spent to buy food from abroad can be converted for the benefit of our country.
Through that, we get the opportunity to re-enter development projects.
The foreign countries that support us place enormous trust in the people of Sri Lanka.
You know what hopes Sri Lankans have placed on agriculture in the last two seasons.
The farmers of our country have fulfilled those hopes.
The result of the harvest achieved through the various concessions that the government could provide for that, became the pride of Sri Lanka itself and became a major factor in regaining international trust.
Especially in an area with fertile farmlands, it is necessary to pay special respect to the farmers.
This temple is a temple belonged to the era of King Walagamba.
History can never forget it. That is why the government is giving all possible support for this.
We are a nation that worships first after farming and harvesting.
Accordingly, we travel to Anuradhapura and various holy places.
Those great structures were built brick by brick because of the support of our public.
To build those places with so many plans and to build that proud history.
In the proud story of the freedom struggle in the history of our country, a young child growing up to a young person, an elderly parent can never forget Reverend Wariyapola Sumangala.
In front of the state power called the Empire in which Sun Never Sets, a great protest was raised from these areas to lower the flag of the British as it was raised before the agreed time, thus violating the promises given.
It was an opportunity that not only brought honor to the country, but also demonstrated the strength of the Sambuddha Order and the strength of the countrymen.
Let’s work together for the development of these areas when the economic crisis is lifted.
Let’s make it accessible to other areas such as food production through the rural industry sector and not only agriculture.
On this occasion, Malwathu Maha Vihara Sanghanayake Seelarathana Thero of Oggamu, Piyarathana Thero of Talanchi, the Viharadhia of Nuwara Kanda, Seelarathana Thero, the Maha Sangha, Minister of State D B Herath Member of Parliament Manjula Dissanayake and a large gathering of devotees were present.
Prime Minister’s Media Division.