President Gotabaya Rajapksa met with the Maha Nayake of Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dhrama Maha Sanga Sabha Most Ven. Dr. Iththapana Dhammalankara Thero and His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith at the Presidential Secretariat today (28) and exchanged views on several current issues.
Inquiring about the current progress of the COVID – 19 prevention activities, both Maha Nayake Thero and the Cardinal expressed their satisfaction over the measures taken by the President to control the spread of the virus while providing relief to the affected people.
Two religious leaders expressed hope that the pandemic will be brought under control soon. President was confident that the curfew could be gradually relaxed in coming weeks.
Maha Nayake Thero said that he will requests the Buddhists to celebrate upcoming Vesak festival while remaining at homes. President pointed out the possibility of utilizing electronic media for this purpose.
While inquiring about the progress of investigations on Easter Sunday attacks Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith emphasized the need of identifying masterminds of these cowardly attacks. The objectives of a suicide attack go beyond just killing scores of people said the President adding that it is the endevour of the Government to identify those who are behind the sinister motive.
His Eminence observed that the time has come to deviate from election propaganda that is wasteful and spiteful and adopt a new political culture.
President said that he too has given thought of changing useless and expensive election campaigns.
Ven. Dhammalankara Thero pointed out that some tanks and irrigation schemes have been neglected in areas where agricultural crops are cultivated. President responded saying that funds will be allocated to renovate these tanks and irrigation canals from the next Budget.
Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera and Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga were also present at the discussion.
Mohan Karunaratne
Deputy Director
28.04.2020
