President submits MOU to bring Kandyan Peasantry Comm. back
President Maithripala Sirisena said that he has already submitted a memorandum to the Cabinet to bring back the Kandyan Peasantry Commission, which was disbanded.
He said that he has had complaints of the hardships by the peasantry due to the disbanding of the Peasantry Commission. He said that by taking over land in close proximity to the Sri Dalada Maligawa and handing it over to the Maligawa these lands could be developed for the benefit of the people of the area. The President said that the Maha Sangha had spoken to him and indicated the need for such a move.
He made these observations at the Historic Audience Hall in Kandy after the ceremony of signing the de-gazetting document to free those who have been named as traitors by the British during their rule. The President further said he was asked by the Maha Sangha to take steps to develop the former Bogambara Prison complex so that arts and crafts of the Kandyan region could be displayed within the complex. Speaking further, the President said that the de-gazetting ceremony should have been held years ago, but following various suggestions over the years and an committee of academics had been appointed to examine the issue and he was able to de-gazette others who had given their lives for the country.
The Mahanayake of the Malwatte Chapter Venerable Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera, the Mahanayake of Asgiri Chapter Venerable Warakagoda Gnanasara Thera with the two Anunayake’s and the Karaka Sangha Sabhas of both chapters were present at this ceremony.
Central Province Governor Ms. Niluka Ekanayake, the Central Province Chief Minister, Ministers and members of the Parliament were also present.