Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the unity witnessed during a Perahera is essential for building a transformative nation and it is not an isolated effort.
Prime Minister stated this while attending the inaugural ceremony of the Raigampura Navam Maha Perahera Street parade at the Horana Raja Maha Viharaya on March 01.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated:
"When examining the human history, it is clearly visible that communities across the world have nurtured their own unique cultural values and identities from the very beginning of human civilization.
A Perahera collectively embodies the values in both religious and aesthetic aspects and there is a sense of belonging in everyone for the heritage.
Further, a Perahera is a cultural occasion that fosters collective human efforts. I firmly believe that, as a nation, what we anticipate today is unity and collaboration rather than individual and isolated actions.
The unity and collective efforts are crucial from rising back on foot in a nation which has been pushed in the depths of poverty.
The greatest challenge of the nation is to revive the country that has been dragged into an abyss back towards a renaissance and it is expected that such revival should collectively nurtured by both economic resurgence and cultural renaissance.
The future we envision, “beautiful island, smiling people” rests on the ability to create a platform where all religious, cultural, and artistic talents can be entwined and to build a country where Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Malay, Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, and Islamic festivities can be celebrated as one. Everyone is invited to join hands in building such a nation."
The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Horana Raja Maha Viharaya, Madurawala Sobitha Thero, Minister of Health and Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, General Secretary of the National People's Power Specialist Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, Member of Parliament Oshani Umanga, and several other dignitaries.
