Governance programme must continue after General Election victory – Malwatta Prelate

The Chief Prelate of the Malwatte Chapter, Most Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera stated that the successful governance programme initiated after the Presidential victory must continue following the General Election victory as well.

The Chief Prelate expressed these views when Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the Malwatte Maha Vihara on Saturday (28) to receive blessings.

The Malwatte Chief Prelate noted that when leadership is strict, others follow, and such a situation can be seen in the country today. He added that when the beginning is strong, everything else follows suit, and the public has expressed support for the initiatives led by the new President.

The Chief Prelate also mentioned that with only three Ministers working under the current Government, significant responsibilities have fallen on them, and the key need at present is to fulfil public expectations. He emphasised the importance of a structured plan to alleviate poverty, as rising poverty correlates with increasing problems. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of reopening closed industries to ensure economic recovery.

He further stated that the public had elected the new leader in the Presidential Election with great hope, and they expect these hopes to be fulfilled. The Chief Prelate urged the Government to focus special attention on revitalising agriculture, as rural populations are struggling due to restricted income streams.

The Chief Prelate also stressed that the country’s education system should not be divided into popular and lesser schools, as all schools serve the children of this nation’s parents, and there should be no divisions between them.

Addressing the gathering, Doranagama Ratanapala Thera of the Malwathu Chapter remarked that when leadership makes the right decisions, even inactive Government officials are compelled to work, a situation that can currently be observed in the country.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya noted that the country is facing multiple crises, making the situation extremely complex. However, if politicians guide the people correctly, the public will continue to move forward. She expressed her belief that a clear public mandate would be given in the upcoming General Election.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that state officials are showing great enthusiasm and commitment to rebuilding the country and are even providing suggestions to minimise waste. She also emphasised the importance of allowing state officials to work freely without political interference.

Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted that the ongoing crisis has affected not only the economy but also family relationships, with parents becoming estranged from their children. She mentioned that school principals have informed her about declining student attendance after the Ordinary Level exams due to the economic pressures on families.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the best should be available to all children without any discrimination.

Following the visit to Malwatte, the Prime Minister visited the Asgiri Maha Viharaya, where she was blessed by the Chief Prelate, Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, and the Sangha members of the Asgiri Chapter. The Anunayake of the Asgiri Chapter, Most Venerable Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Thera, remarked that the current President had set a good example by appointing educated individuals to important positions.

The Anunayake Thera also stated that the people have placed a great responsibility on the leadership, and they must fulfil it.

Referring to the history of women in leadership, he pointed out that after the world’s first female Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, both her daughter, Chandrika Bandaranaike, became Prime Minister and President. Now, after a long period, another woman has been appointed as Prime Minister, and Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has demonstrated her dedication to the nation’s values and culture.

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