By President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
As per my request to the Mahanayake Theras, it has been decided to hold a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic for the general public from April 18th to 27th.
Accordingly, the special exposition is planned to take place from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on April 18th, and from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. from April 19th to 27th. A preliminary discussion in this regard was held today (02) at the President’s House in Kandy.
I expressed my gratitude to the Mahanayake Theras for granting the Buddhist community of Sri Lanka the opportunity to partake in this sacred event after 16 years. I emphasized that the Buddhist people of Sri Lanka aspire to see the Sacred Tooth Relic revered and worshipped throughout their lifetime.
Furthermore, I stated that this occasion is expected to contribute to the re-establishment of cultural and religious values that are gradually diminishing within the country, and I hope this event will foster religious and cultural awareness. I also expressed my belief that this special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, organized as an extension of the New Year celebrations, will direct the country towards a new direction by promoting Buddhist awareness nationwide.
I hope that a large number of people will participate in the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which will be held for ten days. It is my belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that the devotees are given the opportunity to worship the Sacred Tooth Relic without any obstacles. As the government, I will provide maximum support and intervention in this regard.
During the discussion, it was decided to establish three separate lines for the public to worship the Sacred Tooth Relic during the special exposition. Additionally, I instructed officials to follow the guidance of the Mahanayake Theras regarding the safety of both the Sacred Tooth Relic and the public.
It was also suggested that during the period of the exposition, schools in the Kandy area should be closed, and that school sessions should be held on alternative days to accommodate children’s education. Attention was also given to ensuring the health and safety of the devotees, managing waste, and making transportation arrangements during this time.
Moreover, extensive discussions were held on providing necessary facilities for the health, drinking water, and other needs of the public, as well as giving an opportunity for registered individuals to serve meals at the Dansalas for those coming to worship the Sacred Tooth Relic.
We also discussed the importance of organizing the event in a way that promotes Buddhist awareness among the public and of informing the public about the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
The meeting was attended by the Maha Sangha, led by the Malwathu and Asgiri Anunayake Theras, the Minister of Buddhist Affairs, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senavi, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha, the Governor of the Central Province Sarath Bandara Samarasinghe Abayakoon, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, District Secretary, Divisional Secretaries, heads of line institutions, and senior officials from the tri-forces and police.
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