The message said Arahant Mahinda Thera who arrived in Sri Lanka 230 years after the Buddha's Parinibbana brought peace and tranquility not only to the people in Sri Lanka in entirety but also to the fauna and flora and the environment.

The philosophy of simple and frugal living he taught society through example by shunning a life of enormous wealth, happiness and grandeur has brought relief to our lives.

The Mihindu Guhava which drew the attention of devotees during the Poson season also exemplified it.

The message of the Dhamma which arose in the ancient past centred on Mihintale, has bequeathed glorious kingdoms like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to our nation.

We can witness the ruins of the cultural heritage created from the spiritual nutrition received from Buddhism even today.

It is the teaching and discipline received through Buddhism that we can lay claim to such a creative past. Our heads of state from the ancient past strived to create a just society for all by taking a leaf from the Dhamma.

Today we have taken steps to build the disciplined country which was slipping away from us.

Current state policy is to eschew all misdeeds and build a society where everyone can live as respectable citizens on the basis of the Buddhist theme.

Yo che Vassanag jeewe - kuseetho Heena Veeriyo

Eka Hang Jeevithang Seiyo, Veeriya marahatho

According to Buddha's teachings a day's life as a courageous person is far greater than a 100 year life of an indolent person.

In this Poson season let us all resolve to make our spiritual and physical lives victorious by living according to procedure with determination and courage.

Wish you all a happy Poson festival.