Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana said that Ven. Samanthabadra Thera who keeps coming up with new innovations and creations is setting an example to the country.
The Minister was speaking at the opening of the newly built Ran Velayuda Mandapaya at Umandawa Global Buddhist Village under the patronage of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa recently.
Chinthaka Mandawela, a Sri Lankan residing in England, has borne the cost of Rs. 70 million for the construction of this Ran Velayuda Mandapaya.
The Minister addressing the gathering went on to say:
“A year ago, Ven. Samanthabadra Thera, during a ceremony attended by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, myself and a large gathering of the public, laid the foundation stone for the construction of this historical place. It was completed in 364 days before a year had passed, marking a historical feat. Ven. Samanthabadra Thera’s commitment was also the root for that.
“After being educated at the Science Faculty of Kelaniya University, going beyond his role as Buddhist monk, the Ven. Thera went on to set an example for the country through his new creations and innovations.
“He is engaged in research and continues to turn barren lands into fertile lands, not only to feed the people of this land, but also to take those products to the international level and create an international market for them.
“Many efforts are being made to work for this country, to add value to the nation, to strengthen the production process for the majority of the people of the country, without being swayed by slander and insults.
“Accordingly, by providing a new creative contribution to religious, economic and cultural missions in our country, the Thera has proved that nothing is impossible.”
Ven Siri Samanthabadra Thera and the Maha Sangha, NWP Governor Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Members of Parliament U.K. Sumith Udukumbura and Roshan Ranasinghe, Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Dewalaya Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara, foreign ambassadors and Wannila Aththo attended the event.
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