Prime Minister Highlights Maha Sangha’s Guidance in Sri Lanka’s National Renewal
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has emphasized the important role of the Maha Sangha in providing spiritual guidance to the government and strengthening positive values within society, describing their support as a valuable source of strength as Sri Lanka moves forward with its national modernization program.
The Prime Minister made these remarks on August 15 while attending a ceremony held to honor the appointment of Most Venerable Mahakande Ratanapala Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Wathuruwila Vanavasa Sangha Headquarters and Director of the Sri Gnananda Vanavasa Maha Pirivena, as the Mahanayaka, or Supreme Chief Prelate, of the Shyamopali Vanavasa Nikaya.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Amarasuriya praised the contribution of Most Venerable Mahakande Ratanapala Thero, noting that his nearly six decades of service had made an immense contribution to preserving the Vanavasa tradition, Buddhist education, and the continuity of the Buddha Sasana.
She said the appointment as Mahanayaka was a great honor in recognition of his longstanding service to the Buddha Sasana.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the values reflected in the forest-dwelling monastic tradition, particularly its harmony with nature, simplicity, discipline, restraint, self-control, and sense of responsibility toward future generations.
According to Dr. Amarasuriya, these values offer important lessons as Sri Lanka advances through a period of modernization and transformation.
She noted that national development should not be limited to constructing new infrastructure and introducing new systems, but should also involve renewing existing institutions and creating conditions that enable people to lead better lives.
“Today, we are experiencing this transformation as we modernize every sector, from introducing metro services in the transport sector to reforms in health, education, and other fields,” she said.
However, the Prime Minister stressed that the country’s ultimate goal should go beyond achieving greater material wealth. Sri Lanka, she said, should strive to create a better quality of life supported by a compassionate, responsible, and values-based society.
While recognizing the importance of new technology, infrastructure, and economic opportunities, she emphasized that people must also develop the human qualities required to use such advancements responsibly and for the benefit of society.
Dr. Amarasuriya further acknowledged the spiritual guidance provided by members of the Maha Sangha to the government’s efforts, as well as their contribution toward strengthening positive social values.
“The spiritual guidance we receive from you, as members of the Maha Sangha, for the efforts we undertake as a government, as well as your support in strengthening positive values within society, are a very valuable source of strength for us,” she said.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that national renewal cannot be considered the responsibility of the government alone. She said all citizens have a role in protecting newly created facilities and systems, using them responsibly, continuing to improve them, and ensuring that they are preserved for future generations.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished members of the Maha Sangha, including Most Venerable Niyangoda Wijithasiri Thero, Anunayaka of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya of the Maha Vihara lineage and Chancellor of the Yakkala Wickramarachchi Indigenous Medical Institute.
Most Venerable Narampanawa Ananda Nayaka Thero, Anunayaka of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya of the Maha Vihara lineage and Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, was also among those present.
Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Galle District Member of Parliament Nishantha Perera, other distinguished guests, and a large gathering of lay devotees also participated in the occasion.
The ceremony thus highlighted both the religious significance of the appointment of Most Venerable Mahakande Ratanapala Thero and the broader role of Buddhist values, spiritual guidance, and collective responsibility in Sri Lanka’s continuing process of national renewal.
