Sri Lanaka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has informed the Maha Sangha, including the Asgiri Mahanayaka Thero, that he will not take back the decision to use organic fertilizer towards endowing a healthy future generation to the country. The President also assured that he will not allow any farmer to face inconveniences during the implementation of the programme.
Decision to use organic fertilizer towards endowing a healthy future generation will not be reversed…
-President informs Mahanayake TherosMaha Sangha, including Asgiri Mahanayaka Thero, commend the President’s programme
Due to the use of chemical fertilizers, farmers in many parts of the island suffer from many non-communicable diseases including kidney disease and the damage it has done to the environment is immense. The government also spends more than $ 400 million annually on chemical fertilizer imports. The President pointed out to the Maha Sangha that the use of organic fertilizer would enable the farmers to receive the funds that flow out to foreign companies when importing chemical fertilizers.
The President made these remarks when he called on the Maha Sangha including the Mahanayake Theros of the Asgiri Chapter today June 27.
President Rajapaksa said that prior to 2015 the country made tremendous progress in a short period of time as the government officials did not hesitate to take decisions. Nevertheless, the President pointed out that these officials had to face various difficulties during the previous government’s tenure, including imprisonment on false charges, and added that the government officials are reluctant to take decisions and implement them for fear that they would be punished in the future for implementing development plans. Therefore, it is unfortunate that many activities in the country are being disrupted due to this unnecessary fear, the President said.
Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thero, the Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter, commended the President for the programme implemented to successfully face the Covid-19 pandemic.
The President briefed the Mahanayake Thero on the vaccination drive being carried out to control the Covid-19 pandemic. The Mahanayake Thero chanted Seth Pirith and blessed the President. The caretaker of the Muthiyangana Rajamaha Vihara Ven. Dr. Muruthdeniye Dhammarathana Thero was also present.
President Rajapaksa visited the Asgiri Gedige Rajamaha Vihara and paid a courtesy call on the Most Venerable Wedaruwe Upali Thero, the Anunayake of the Asgiri Chapter. The prelate also praised the programme being carried out by the President and gave his blessings. Ven. Dr. Godagama Mangala Thero, senior Sangha Sabika member of the Asgiri Chapter was also present at the occasion.
The President called on Most Venerable Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Thero, the Anunayake of the Asgiri Chapter and received blessings.
The President then called on the Registrar of the Asgiri Chapter, Most Venerable Dr. Medagama Dhammananda Thero.
President Rajapaksa called on the Deputy Registrar of the Asgiri Chapter, Most Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Thero and briefed him on the government’s current programme.
Chief Incumbent Ven. Keppetiyagoda Siriwimala Nayaka Thero and other members of the Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith and blessed President Rajapaksa when he visited the Rajopawanarama Vihara in Gatambe.
Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela and Buddhasasana Ministry Secretary Professor Kapila Gunawardana were also present.