The centenary inauguration ceremony of the historic Temple of the Tooth Relic was held at the Atkanda Rajamaha Temple in Kurunegala on Saturday (21st) in the presence of President Anurad Kumara Dissanayake.
The annual Tooth Relic parade began in 1925 and celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. To mark the milestone, a commemorative stamp and a replica of the original parade cover were unveiled.
The event also launched two academic publications on the theme of the Tooth Relic and performed a dedicated parade song for the first time.
The President presented awards and certificates to students who performed well in various competitions held in conjunction with the centenary celebrations.
In his speech, the President stressed that no society, regardless of its material progress, can thrive without a spiritual and moral foundation.
He pointed out that a country’s cultural and social development must be rooted in moral and spiritually aware citizens.
The President stressed the relevance of Buddhist Jataka stories and cultural traditions, noting that these stories and cultural traditions provide a valuable foundation for the restoration of spiritual life in a society that is increasingly pursuing wealth and power.
He added that Buddhism teaches rulers to govern with compassion and a sense of responsibility, values that are unfortunately fading in modern society.
He called on everyone to work together to revive these cultural roots and build a spiritually rich society.
Responding to criticism, the President said that despite claims that the current government would abandon these traditions, the day’s celebrations clearly demonstrated the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Sri Lanka’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Malwatu Chapter Anunayaka Most Ven. Niyangoda Sri Vijithasiri Thera, Chief Priest of Athkanda Rajamaha Viharaya, North Western Governor Tissa Varnasuriya, Buddhasasana, Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Prof. Chandana Abeyratne, State Minister of Public Safety and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Deputy Ministers of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne and Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, as well as a large number of devotees and officials attended the ceremony.
