Although I grew up in the Southern part of the island and live in the city of Colombo, I have a special love and respect for the historical Anuradhapura and Atamasthana. Nothing brings me more peace and comfort than being in the premises of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and the great Stupa of Ruwanweliseya" - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made this statement during a discussion held with the members of Sri Maha Bodhi Development Fund at the Sannipatha Hall in Anuradhapura Sri Maha Bodhi premises on February 23rd.
The event was graced by the Nuwara Kalaviya Chief Sanghanayake, Chief Incumbant if Atamasthana Sahithyasuri Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera
The Chief Sanghanayake of the North Central Province of the Siam Maha Nikaya Eethala Wetunu Wewa Gnanathilaka Thera,
The Chief Judicial Sanghanayake of the North Central Province of the Siam Maha Nikaya Venerable Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Thera,
The Senior Lecturer of Sri Lanka Bhikkhu University, Chief Incumbant of Abhayagiri Stupa Kallanchiya Rathnasiri Thera, and
The Chief Incumbant of Thuparama Stupa Venerable Kahalle Gnaninda Thera.
The Prime Minister has the authority to appoint members of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Development Fund and this is the first time that she has been involved in this matter after assuming the office of Prime Minister.
The current Chairman of the Sri Maha Bodhi Development Fund, Anuradhapura District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya, welcomed the Prime Minister and introduced the members of the Development Fund, while the Secretary, Mr. Themiya Hurulle, explained the Sri Maha Bodhi Development Fund Act and its inception.
The Administrative Secretary of the Fund, Mr. Sarath Wijesinghe, briefed the Prime Minister on the work done by the Fund so far, and the Prime Minister stated that the Development Fund would provide maximum support for the future work for the protection and restoration of sacred places of religious importance including the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and the rest of Atamasthana.
Furthermore, the Chief incumbant of Atamasthana Sahityasuri venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera introduced and presented the book "Jaya Sri Maha Bo Siritha" published by the Ranveta Fund to the Prime Minister. Discussions were also held about donating one thousand copies of the book to one thousand school libraries at the occasion.
All members of the Sri Maha Bodhi Development Fund participated in this discussion.
