President's Poson message:
Shun differences of race and religion
"We as a nation that respects the teachings of the Buddha, shun
differences of race, religion, caste and geography. Therefore, we should
march towards progress giving the highest priority to the principles of
tolerance ensuring unity and determination", said President Mahinda
Rajapaksa in his Poson message.
The following is the message.
'It is a great pleasure to celebrate the Poson festival this year too
under State patronage.
We consider the arrival of Arahat Mahinda to Sri Lanka as the
greatest event in the history of our country. With his arrival we were
bestowed with a great and civilised culture, a prosperous economy and a
noble philosophy on life. It is our singular wish to guide Sri Lanka on
the path shown by Arahat Mahinda through his valued example.
We were able to ensure freedom to the entire nation and protect all
living beings and the environment by following the teachings of Arahat
Mahinda.
We as a nation that respect the teachings of the Buddha, shun all
differences of race, religion, caste and geography. Therefore, we should
march towards progress giving the highest priority to the principles of
tolerance ensuring unity and determination.
The Buddha's teachings brought to us by Arahat Mahinda states:
Punnam ce puriso kayira - kayirathetam punappunam Tamhi chandam
kayiratha - sukho punnassa uccayo'
"A person should continue to do meritorious deeds; he should delight
himself in doing good.
Happiness is the result of the accumulation of merit". Let us resolve
to remember with great honour Arahat Mahinda who gave meaning to the
precept of the Dhamma.
May the Noble Triple Gem bless you all,' the message said. |