President Maithripala Sirisena signed the historic gazette notification proclaiming 82 brave sons of Motherland, who were named as traitors by the British Government for fighting for the freedom of the Motherland, as patriotic national heroes, at the Magul Maduwa (The Royal Audience Hall) in Kandy, yesterday (1st March.).
Even though it is a national responsibility to revoke the Gazette issued by the British Government declaring the national heroes as the traitors, it was neglected to fulfill that responsibility for nearly two hundred years.
Accordingly, the President signed the gazette notification giving the due honor and respect to those heroes, on March 02, the day that marks the completion of 202 years since signing of the Kandyan Convention 1815.
The event themed “Uththamabiwandana” was organized by the Department of Government Information.
President Sirisena addressing the huge gathering said that it was an important day for the Sri Lankan Buddhist Community, which rectify a sad and tragic error in the history of our country.
The President expressed his appreciation over fulfilling this task which should have been done earlier. He added that we should recall with honour and respect our brave war heroes who sacrificed their lives during the 30-year battle against the terrorists, in a similar way we recalled the brave sons of Motherland who fought during the freedom struggle.
President Sirisena further said that the Cabinet approval has been granted to re-implement the Upcountry Rural Rehabilitation Commission (Udarata Gami Punaruththapana Commission) again aiming to streamline the development of the activities of upcountry as a result of the guidance given by the Maha Sangha of the Tri-Nikaya including the Anunayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters.
When the members of the Maha Sangha brought to the President’s attention that there are certain issues relating to lands belonging to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, President Sirisena promised to take immediate measures to rectify those issues.
The President signed the gazette notification amid the Seth Pirith chanting of the Maha Sangha. Subsequently, President Sirisena posed for a group photograph with the Maha Sangha, Ministers and MPs.
The President also paid floral tributes to the Statue of the Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera as well as to the Monument of the Keppetipola Maha Nilame at the premises of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
During the event delivering a special sermon by the Anunayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, appreciated the President as a leader who is created by the history.
Maha Sangha of the Tri-Nikaya including the Anunayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters,Ministers Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Gayantha Karunathilaka, Lakshman Kiriella, S.B.Disanayaka, Deputy Minister Karunaratne Paranavitana, Governor of the Central Province, Niluka Ekanayake, Chief Minister, Sarath Ekanayake, Director General of Department of Government Information Dr. Ranga Kalansooriya also participated at this event.