President’s solemn pledge before Maha Sangha at Sacred Dalada premises:

I’ll never allow bifurcation of Motherland

I will never allow the bifurcation of the Motherland which was united after defeating divisive separatists, pledged President Mahinda Rajapaksa last Saturday at the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises.

He was addressing the ceremonial gathering on the occasion of the conferment of the honour Vishwa Keerti Sri Sinhaladhishwara on him jointly by the Karaka Sangha Sabhas of the Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters of the Siyam Maha Nikaya presided over by the Most Venerable Tibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Malwatta Maha Nayake Thera and Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Asgiriya Maha Nayake Thera. It is the highest honour bestowed upon any individual jointly by the two chapters of the Siyam Maha Nikaya.

Accepting the honour the President said that he considered himself most fortunate to receive such a high honour. “I consider this the highest honour that any individual could get from the Motherland,” said the President.

The Maha Sangha led by the Maha Nayake Theras of the Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters made a significant contribution to unite the country by constantly giving their blessings and encouraging us, he added. They also deserve honours for the success achieved in uniting the country, he said.

“The intention of the Maha Nayake Theras in conferring this honour was to ensure that the united Motherland would be preserved and safeguarded and I solemnly pledge before the Sacred Tooth Relic that I would never allow the bifurcation of the united Motherland,” stated the President.

He also expressed his confidence that we would be able to build a virtuous society with the constant advice from the Maha Nayake Theras.

“This honour will give me added courage and strength to build such a virtuous society without delay,” the President further said. The nation should be grateful to the Maha Sangha for their encouragement in these endeavours, he said in conclusion.

Honours were also conferred on the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapksa, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera, Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka, Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunatilleke, Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickremaratne and Civil Defence Force Director General Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera.