President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that fostering a religious awakening among the younger generation is essential in order to close the destructive pathway linked to narcotics and related social evils and emphasised that religious leaders, led by the Maha Sangha, have a major responsibility in this regard.
The President further pointed out that, for the first time in Sri Lanka, the political protection that once existed for drug trafficking and organised crime has been dismantled, stressing that no individual involved in such activities now receives political patronage.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made these remarks while attending the Vaishakya Festival 2026 held this morning (29) at the Ganewewa Purana Viharaya, in Nikaweratiya.
Addressing the gathering, the President observed that many of the values prevailing in contemporary society are not genuine values and stressed the need to introduce a new system of ethics and values for the country. The President also highlighted the importance of building a compassionate society that respects all cultures and identities.
The President also commended the religious and social service carried out by Ven. Kathnoruwe Siridhamma Thero in guiding the present younger generation, the architects of the future society, towards becoming a virtuous and responsible generation.
During the event, the book titled “Divi Man Sadaham”, compiled based on sermons delivered by the distinguished dharma orator and scholar Ven. Kathnoruwe Siridhamma Thero, was officially launched together with the temple’s computer application (app). In addition, the newly constructed Dhamma Hall, Bodhighara, bell tower and alms hall of the temple were ceremonially inaugurated concurrently with this.
Speaking further, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said:
“Ven. Kathnoruwe Siridhamma Thero has undertaken a tremendous effort to spiritually awaken the younger generation of our country. I believe that today we are participating in a very significant milestone of that endeavour. Residing in this sacred place, the Thero gathers thousands of young people every week and delivers sermons guiding them towards a righteous path in life. Today, several valuable facilities, including a Dhamma Hall dedicated to those activities, are being inaugurated.
I firmly believe that his Dhamma mission serves as a great support in rescuing our country, particularly the younger generation, from the grave challenges they currently face.
Today’s younger generation has access to an enormous number of opportunities. We have reached a decisive moment where they must choose whether to use those opportunities to guide their lives in a positive direction. The world is now far closer to our youth. Through the mobile phone in their hands, they are able to access the entire world. As a result, they are exposed to information and events at an unprecedented speed. The rapid transformation in technology has created opportunities for them to acquire vast knowledge and experience. Likewise, the communication revolution and the emergence of a global village provide immense opportunities for the younger generation.
In the same way, the profound transformation taking place in science and technology has also opened opportunities for links with drugs, abuse and armed groups, as well as for financial transactions conducted through technological platforms.
Today, we have launched a major national programme to defeat drug trafficking. Since 31 October last year up to now, within just seven months a significant quantity of narcotics has been seized. These are only the drugs we have managed to confiscate. One can therefore imagine how much more is circulating within society and how many young people have already become victims.
Our greatest challenge today is how to guide this younger generation, which is heading towards this destructive gateway, towards a future that is safe and meaningful. This is the challenge faced not only by the Government, but also by the Maha Sangha, other religious clergy and society as a whole.
We are aware that powerful forces exist behind this destructive gateway. There was once a period in which it was backed by political power and even state power. It is also supported by financial influence. Drug trafficking became a gateway protected by immense power. Therefore, we must close that gateway and to do so, we must apply a force greater than the one protecting it. I say with pride that, for the first time in Sri Lanka, we have broken the political power that once protected drugs and organised crime. Today, I can confidently assure you that none of those individuals receive political patronage any longer. Our police and all related agencies are working tirelessly to close this gateway. As a Government, there is a role we can fulfil through laws, regulations and state institutions. However, I do not believe this problem can be solved solely through legislation and state authority.
That is why monks such as Ven. Kathnoruwe Siridhamma Thero are so important. Creating a religious awakening among the younger generation is essential to shutting this destructive gateway.
Today, the younger generation is strongly drawn to the sermons delivered by Ven. Kathnoruwe Thero. They study and reflect upon the ideas he presents and that is deeply encouraging. As the Thero himself stated, nearly 3.5 million people have been reached through his recent Dhamma mission and I believe that the majority of them are young people.
The younger generation is once again becoming spiritually connected with the temple and the Dhamma. Ven. Siridhamma Thero has played a pioneering role in this transformation. The responsibility entrusted to the Buddhist clergy in guiding young people away from destruction and towards a meaningful future is immense. We, as a Government, will fulfil our responsibilities through law, authority and institutional systems. But spiritual healing, transforming the mind and redirecting the younger generation away from destruction cannot be achieved through law alone. What is required is a true spiritual transformation.
At the same time, society must be introduced to a new framework of ethics and values. Young people must once again be encouraged to respect virtues such as honouring elders. We also need a society that respects and values every culture, ethnicity and religion equally. Creating a spiritual transformation within the younger generation is therefore of vital importance. The service rendered by Ven. Kathnoruwe Siridhamma Thero in this regard deserves the highest appreciation. I offer him my respect and deepest gratitude for his invaluable contribution.”
The Mahanayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya Most Venerable Aggamaha Pandita Makulewe Wimala Mahanayaka Thero, the Anunayaka of the Asgiri Chapter Most Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Thero, the Judicial Sangha Nayaka of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Ven. Attangane Rathanapala Nayaka Thero, the General Registrar of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Most Ven. Attangane Sasanarathana Nayaka Thero, other religious priests, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Governor of the North Western Province Tissa Warnasuriya and a large number of members of parliament and ministers, the indigenous leader Vannila Attho and a large number of people from the area were present on this occasion.
