Temples Lost Thirteen hundred Thousand Acres Of Land Due To Leadership Given For Anti-imperial Revolts-PM
Shakila Ifham
November 27, 2022
Fourteen temples were announced as sacred places of worship and the corresponding Sannaspatra were awarded under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at Temple Trees on Friday.
Sannaspatra of Kuragala Rajamaha Vihara Ratnapura, Nikasala Nuwara Rajamaha Vihara Kurunegala, Maddepola Rajamaha Vihara Giriulla, Devagiri Rajamaha Vihara Bingiriya, Paramananda Purana Vihara Kotahena, Mampita Gal len Rajamaha Vihara Kegalle, Magul Maha Vihara Ampara, Piangala Rajamaha Vihara, Kolavenigama Rajamaha Vihara Matara Athanagi Kanda Purana Rajamaha Vihara Trincomalee, Bambaragala Aranya Senasana, Sankhamale Rajamaha Vihara, Asirikanda Rajamaha Vihara Trincomalee, Nagalena Rajamaha Vihara Trincomalee were presented by the Prime Minister.
Addressing the gathering the Prime Minister said that Mahasangha pledged for the perpetuation of the Sambuddha shasana has supported the state administration and performed a great service throughout the history. As a result, Vihara and temples have been preserved for future generations.
From the day of the visit of Arahat Mihindu, the kings were able to establish the religious affairs more strongly. Mahasangha contributed to create a historical civilization that is well-known. The assistance of the government is granted to ensure security, nutrition and development of Mahasangha.
On March 02, 1815, the day our country surrendered to the white rulers, it was Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thero of Wariyapola who lowered the British flag. 150 years have passed since the English rulers came here in 1815. We got freedom 75 years ago. After 1815, the rebellions between 1818 and 1948 were led by Mahasangha. As a result, the available records reveal that 13,000 acres of land belonging to the temples were lost.
State leaders took steps to fulfill the task of providing necessary facilities to the people of the country as well as foreigners who come to this country by conserving and developing the historical temples of our country, which were turned into sacred places of worship by Acts and orders. Today, through the steps taken, we assure that those requirements are being strengthened.
The greatest thing that Sri Lanka can contribute to the world is to confirm the existence of Sambuddha Sasana. It is the way to be able to take the teachings of the Buddha all over the world.
A commemorative gift was also presented to Prime Minister Gunawardena by the founder of the Nelligala International Buddhist Center, Waturakumbure Dhammaratne Thero, the founder of the Nelligala International Buddhist Center, in recognition of the development of the largest number of temples while he was the Minister of sacred places of worship.
On this occasion, Buddhasasana Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayake, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, State Minister Sisira Jayakodi, State Minister D.B. Herath Members of Parliament Wimalaweera Dissanayake, Samanpriya Herath, Yadamini Gunawardena, Kapila Athukorala, Secretary of Buddhasasana Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry Somarathne Vidanapathirana and several others participated.
FAQs