The metal Samadhi Buddha Statue was ceremonially unveiled by the Most Venerable Malegoda Nanda Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Sri Pushparama Maha Vihara of Payagala Malegoda and Chief Sanghanayaka of the Bentara-Walallawita Korale. Following the unveiling, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya offered flowers to the Buddha Statue and participated in the religious observances.
Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister stated:
In today’s rapidly evolving and increasingly complex society, what our people need most is restraint and spiritual peace.
We have heard that even during his imprisonment, Jawaharlal Nehru kept a Samadhi Buddha image close to him as a source of spiritual comfort.
I view the unveiling of this beautifully crafted metal Samadhi Buddha Statue within the sacred grounds of the historic Kongoda Sri Gangarama Purana Maha Viharaya as a significant contribution to the spiritual well-being of the Buddhist community in the entire area. It is commendable that this statue has been created using metal donated by the local community.
As a government, we are responsible for safeguarding the country’s historical, religious, and cultural heritage while supporting the development of temples. The Ministry of Buddha Sasana and the Central Cultural Fund are carrying out an important role in fulfilling this responsibility.
Recently, a number of initiatives have been launched to conserve ancient paintings, murals, stone inscriptions, and stupas located in historic temples across the island for the benefit of future generations. The Central Cultural Fund extends it’s financial and technical assistance at an accelerated pace to improve infrastructure in difficult and remote rural temples, not limiting to urban areas.
It is equally important to ensure that the younger generation receive a proper understanding of our historical heritage while protecting archaeological sites and enhancing them as heritage sites for both local and international visitors.
Preserving historic temples is not merely about maintaining buildings. It is about safeguarding our national identity, moral foundation, and invaluable cultural heritage for future generations. No matter how much physical and material development a country achieves, its true progress is measured by the values, discipline, and spiritual growth of its people. The Government’s key objective is to build an independent, fair and harmonious Sri Lankan society, enriched not only by physical development but also by strong spiritual values.
Historic temples such as Kongoda Sri Gangarama Purana Maha Viharaya play a vital role in guiding society towards righteousness and moral discipline. Therefore, the Government appreciates the guidance provided by the Maha Sangha and temples in nurturing a generation of virtuous, respectful, and knowledgeable children through Dhamma school education, while also strengthening harmony within communities.
The event was attended by the Anu Nayaka Thero of the Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Kalyani Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha, the Most Venerable Makuruppe Somalankara Thero; the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Shasthrapathi Venerable Athuraliye Somananda Thero; Members of Parliament Sanjeewa Ranasinghe and Nandana Pushpakumara; public representatives, government officials, board of the temple’s Dayaka Sabha, and a large gathering of devotees and residents.
