He made these observations participating in the unveiling ceremony of the newly constructed Samadhi Buddha Statue and opening of the new Buddha Mandiraya at the Sri Nigrodarama Viharaya in Mawanella yesterday (23).

A Temple in a village reflects the religious and cultural values of the people living there, he said. The President also pointed out that a village which has a close relationship with the temple will be rich in the spiritual and moral values. “Bhikkhus, clergy in the Church, priests and Maulvis of other religious places can make an important contribution to build a better society”, the President further said.

The reconciliation, the discipline and the brotherhood which builds, with close associations with the religious places will help to bring great social and religious resurgence into the country as well as the society, President Sirisena added.

President Sirisena met the Chief incumbent of the temple Ven. Eladathte Saddhasila Thero and inquired into the well being of him and offered Ata Pirikara.

The President participated in religious observance at the Sri Nigrodarama Viharaya and obtained blessings. Later, the President declared open the newly built Buddha Mandiraya in the temple.

The President also planted a Na sapling in the temple premises to mark his visit.