Prelate bestows merit on former Foreign Minister

by Rajith Prematilake, Kurunegala Dist. Spl. Cor.

A pinkama was performed to bestow merit on the late Chandrasekera Malalabandara Bogollagama, the father of former Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama. Delivering the Anusasana at the alms-giving for 100 bhikkhus held at the Vapikarama Viharaya, the Most Ven. Udugama Buddharakkhitha Thera, Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter said, "Man lived in harmony with the nature from time immemorial. Memories of his evolution from the dark days to the modern are still alive.

No other supreme being than the Buddha ever loved the splendour of the nature. Former Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama had helped enhance the beauty of Vapikaramaya in constructing a vihara, dagaba and bodhi.

"We wish the merits of this alms-giving pinkama for 100 bhikkhus may enable late Chandrasekera Malalabandara Bogollagama to attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana."

Former Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said the Bhikkhu is unique among his fellow beings in that there is no parallel to him, as he represents the noble Triple Gem.

"Ven. Walpola Vijitha Thera, the incumbent of Vapikaramaya inspired me to dedicate myself to the noble cause of putting-up this 'Punya Bhoomi' in this arid landscape. The interest expoused by Ven. Vijitha Thera to put up this temple is commendable," he said.Similarly, the efforts of Mrs. Deepthi Bogollagama to make this project a success are praiseworthy.

"I feel the consecration of a Buddhist monastery and a Vihara to the Maha Sanga is a great service to Buddha Sasana," Bogollagama said.