The President made this pledge at the cremation of the Venerable Maaduluwaawe Sobhita Thero with full State Honors and patronage, at the Parliament Grounds in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, yesterday (12).

“I am here today as the President and the new government existed comprising the Prime Minister, mainly because of the initiatives taken by the National Movement for Social Justice headed by late Ven Maduluwave Sobitha Thero,” said the President and added that the inspiration gave an immense courage to form a good governance government to take the country towards the right path.

President Sirisena further said that he will commit himself to build a democratic and just society, as Thero had desired.

During Venerable Maduluwave Sobitha There’s lifetime, he not only performed his duties regarding religious affairs, but also he did a struggle to build a new country with good governance, the president added.

President Maithripala Sirisena said that he will take every possible step to fulfill Most Venerable Maduluwave Sobitha Thera’s wishes to develop Sri Lanka that ensures social justice while working in accordance with the guidance and advices given by the late Nayaka Thera.

The entire country was sorrowful when he fell ill because he was loved and respected by everybody, however, proving the impermanency in life as we Buddhists are aware he passed away.

The President also wished the late Nayaka Thera may attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.

Representative of Tri Nikaya and other religions, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and several others spoke at the funeral.