Ex President Mahinda Rajapaksa visits Gangaramaya Temple

 Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that, according to the Buddhist philosophy that is respected and believed in, this act is the noblest deed that can be done at this moment on behalf of the children of the war heroes. He recalled how, after the end of the war, soldiers in some military camps created Buddha statues with their own hands and made offerings—something he remembers well. 

He said that the Sandhiru Stupa was built with the very hands of those war heroes and dedicated to the Buddha Sasana in memory of the fallen soldiers.

He also expressed his reverence and respect to the Sangha community, including the Chief Prelate of the Colombo Navakorale and Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Malwatta Chapter of the Shyamopali Maha Nikaya, Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thera of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, who led the religious activities with detachment and devotion. He further extended his gratitude to all who participated and contributed to these meritorious acts.

"I also respectfully remember on this occasion our late Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, the Most Venerable Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thero," he said.