Strong national identity key to Sri Lanka's future, says PM

True national development is achieved not merely through the advancement of physical infrastructure and material resources, but by fostering and strengthening a sense of national identity, moral values, and cultural bonds within the hearts of every citizen, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stated.Prime Minister Amarasuriya made these remarks while attending the inaugural ceremony of the "Anubuddhabhi Vandana" Divulapitiya Poson Grand Perahera, organized for the first time jointly by the Divulapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha and the Divulapitiya Divisional Secretariat.Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister stated:"With the arrival of Arahant Mahinda Thero in Sri Lanka, we were blessed with the noble teachings of the Buddha and inherited a rich cultural heritage, noble values, and a system of governance inspired by the Dasa Raja Dharma (the Ten Royal Virtues). It was through the light of the Dhamma that our ancestors were able to demonstrate their ingenuity to the world by creating magnificent irrigation systems and towering stupas.Festivals such as the Anubuddhabhi Vandana Poson Grand Perahera, modelled on the sacred Sri Dalada Perahera, the country's foremost cultural festival and a unique cultural tradition of global significance, make a significant contribution to the holistic national development our country seeks to achieve.By preserving and showcasing Sri Lanka's proud perahera tradition through such celebrations to the world, we nurture a generation that respects others, values unity, and works collectively towards common goals with a shared sense of purpose."The event was attended by members of the Maha Sangha, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, Gampaha District Members of Parliament Dharmapriya Wijesinghe and Hemamali Weerasekara, the Chairman and members of the Divulapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha, the Divisional Secretary, government officials, and a large gathering of local residents.-PMO-