The President made these remarks at the religious ceremony held to open the newly built Atavisi Buddha Mandiraya at Pallewela Keerthi Sri Thejoparama Temple in Matara on Monday (Oct. 19).

President Sirisena who arrived at the temple engaged in religious activities and then participated in the opening ceremony.

“Involvement of the Bhikkus in village temples  to heal the society which has been deteriorated with child abuses, stealing and murders is a requirement of the day”, the President said.

He added that the government needs the assistance of every religious leader including Maha Sangha for the program to take the country towards development, building a better society.

The President also met the Chief Incumbent of Matara Pallewela Keerthi Sri Thejoparama Temple, Shasthrapathi Panditha Ven. Welihene Sarananda Thero and looked into his well-being.

State Finance Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Chief Minister of Southern Province Shan Wijayalal de Silva, Parliamentarian Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Journalist Siri Ranasinghe also participated in this occasion.