Strengthening morals, Govt's aim - Minister

Strengthening of morals and ethics is as important as the development of a country, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said.

The minister was speaking at a ceremony to unveil a statue and name a road after renowned author and great Sinhala novelist late K. Jayathilaka in recognition of the enormous contribution made by him to uplift Sinhala literature, at Kannimahara, Gampaha.

”The government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa is committed to develop morals of society and has taken measures to create a righteous society where ethics would be promoted”, he pointed out. “Author K. Jayathilaka rendered an exceptional service to Sinhala literaure”, he said.

”He opened a library at his home for the benefit of the people of his village”, he added. The minister said he read K. Jayathilaka’s book ‘Punchi Pale Gasawena’ before coming to the function and recalled a quote from it where a politician, attending a commemoration ceremony of late great artiste Mahagamasekara, used the ceremony for his political benefit.

”I never expected to gain any political benefits by attending this ceremony, but, I am a great fan and admirer of K.Jayathilaka”, he said. “We have heard about artistes who have never helped their villages.

But, K. Jayathilaka was an exception. He helped his people in an admirable manner”, the minister said. The road leading to K. Jayathilaka’s home was also carpeted on the advice of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the minister said.

Deputy Disaster Management Minister Dulip Wijesekera, Western Provincial Council Member Upali Gunarathna, Dompe Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Milan Jayathilaka, K. Jayathilaka’s widow Sumana Jayathilaka, Prof. Tissa Kariyawasam, famous artiste Nanda Malani, other artistes and authors also attended the occasion.