If the country is handed over to me, I will develop it and show results in 3 years - Ven. Samanthabhadra Thero

Venerable Siri Samanthabhadra Thero states that if the governing power of the country is entrusted to him, he is ready to develop the entire island within a short period of three years. He emphasized this while participating in an alms-giving meritorious deed and a religious program organized at the monastery premises in Dehiwala for his birthday, which fell yesterday (24).

Former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe, along with a group of ministers and parliamentarians, also participated in this event.

Here, Samanthabhadra Thero, who severely criticized the government's actions, pointed out that a country can never progress by hindering the journey of hardworking and skilled people. Recalling the national mission carried out over the past nine years, centered on Umanandawa, he stated that a significant role was played, especially in the field of education. It was also recalled that Umanandawa was able to become a center capable of facilitating approximately five thousand skilled workers, targeting jobs in foreign countries like Israel.

However, he accused that many of these community welfare services have been hampered under the current government's administration. Examples cited included the closure of hospitals maintained through Umanandawa and the inactivation of water purification systems built for the benefit of kidney patients. He further stated that although former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe had given their blessings for these social welfare activities, the current rulers are obstructing the program with a negative attitude.

The Thero, who also exchanged views with social media activists Sepala Amarasinghe and Iraj Weeraratne, who were present at the event, strongly emphasized the need to set aside all differences and unite for the future prosperity of the country. He pointed out that forming alliances is essential in the face of existing challenges, and if not, everyone will inevitably become weak. He urged them to unite as one, even now, if they aspire to victory.

Commenting on the recently held Sangha Conference, Samanthabhadra Thero stated that if he had been in charge of its organization, it would have been conducted to a higher standard. He highlighted the importance of giving the right place to the right person, looking at how the Umanandawa premises have been built. Recalling that even the Buddha started the very first Sangha Conference with five monks, he explained the importance of viewing everything from a positive angle. Stating that the nation is currently facing this setback due to society constantly slandering hardworking and skilled individuals, he declared that if working people are given the opportunity, he has the ability to develop and demonstrate even agriculture.