http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=People_in_the_North_now_enjoy_peace_20121203_01

'People in the North now enjoy peace'

"The three forces were able to eradicate terrorism from the country under the correct guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and now the people can enjoy peace, Chief Incumbent of Kadawatha, Biyanvila Somawardanaaramaya, Ven Gonahena Wimalananda Thera said.

Especially the people of the North should be indebted to the government and the war heroes for putting an end to their misery, the thera emphasized.

The Ven Wimalananda Thera was addressing the concluding programme of the Katina festival of the Jaffna Naga Vihara on November 26. The Katina Pooja was held with the participation of members of the three forces on an elaborate scale. Not only the Northern Province, the whole country has the opportunity to enjoy freedom and peace today, the Thera said.

'The Katina religious programme was held according to Vinaya rules taught by the Buddha. These customs existed from the days of the Buddha. Vinya rules handed down by the Enlightened One, need to be followed forever, the Thera said.

The robe of the Buddhist monk, the Cheevaraya has been in existence since the Buddha's day. All the kings paid honour to the "Arahath Dhajaya", the Thera said. There was no country in the world which is discussions on "Karma" as well as Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, many inhuman acts are committed in the country. Many children neglect their parents. Such activities have to be given up by the people, the Thera said.

The programme was held under the patronage of Chief Incumbent of Uththara Lanka and the Chief Incumbent of the Jaffna Naga Vihara, Most Ven Meegahajandure Ghanarathana Thera. The Jaffna Naga Vihara Vihradhikari Ven Meegahajandure Siriwimala Thera directed the programme.

Around 32 monks from all provinces participated. Brigadier Chandana Gunawardana, Brigadier D B Randeniya and members of other brigades too assisted in the religious ceremonies.

Tamil Buddhist Association President A Ravi Kumar was also present. The programme was held jointly by the Sri Naga Vihara Development Foundation in Jaffna and the Army, Navy, Air Forces with the Sri Lanka Police and "Nandarama" Tamil Dhamma School under the Tamil Buddhist Association in Jaffna.