RIFT IN GOVT., A SNAG FOR DEVELOPMENT, SAYS THERA

“Severe punishments needed to curb drug menace”

Rift and bitterness among ministers and officials of the incumbent government have become an obstacle for the development of the country, the Mahanayake of Sri Lanka Ramanna Chapter Ven. Napana Premasiri Thera said yesterday.

The Ven. Thera made this statement while participating at the ceremony held to lay the foundation stone of the Chaithya at the Mandandawela Sri Maha Vijesundararama Temple.

“The leaders of the country need to be tolerant and have far-sighted views to achieve progress,” the Ven. Thera said.

On a different note, the prelate said the country had been inundated with drugs, especially in the Central province.

“The use of illegal drugs has become a

The leaders of the country need to be tolerant and have far-sighted views to achieve progress

serious menace. Unlike in Sri Lanka, the penalties imposed in foreign countries like Iran and Iraq on these offences are severe. Lenient punishments have led to the spread of narcotics in our country,” the Ven. Thera said.

The Chief Sangha Nayake of Matale Division Asgiri Siyam Chapter Ven. Panditha Mahalakotuwe Wimaladhamma Thera, Central Province Maha Sangha Nayake of Sri Lanka Ramanna Chapter Ven. Godamunne Pannakirthi Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Temple Ven. Narangamuwe Kassapa Thera and Ven. Maussawe Aggadhamma Thera spoke at the occasion.

Central Provincial Councillors Parakrama Dissanayake, D.D. Jayatissa, Matale Divisional Secretary K.P.KS.P. Maduwanthi and Ranjan Handalagama, Private Secretary to State Minister Vasantha Aluvihare, attended the event.