President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that economic development alone cannot secure the future of the nation without restoring spiritual and moral values within society.
He made these remarks at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Poson Perahera at the historic Athkanda Raja Maha Viharaya in Kurunegala, a deeply symbolic religious event that gathered senior Buddhist monks.
Speaking to the large gathering, the President delivered a powerful message about the moral decay he sees in public institutions. “If the head of law enforcement is hiding from the police, if prison officials end up behind bars, and if criminals are getting passports from government offices, we must ask what has happened to the values we’ve upheld for over 2300 years,” he said, urging a collective awakening.
While acknowledging positive strides in the economy including the expected rise in foreign reserves to USD 7.3 billion and the revival of stalled infrastructure projects, the President stressed that these achievements are hollow if society continues to erode from within.
He cited worrying trends such as overall lack of accountability in state institutions. “This is not just about development,” he said. “It’s about rebuilding a society where right and wrong still matter. Institutions need integrity, and leadership must rise above political interference.”
The centenary Poson celebration also featured a range of cultural and religious activities: a commemorative postal stamp was launched, two special songs were released, and a scholarly book was presented. Dhamma school students from the temple showcased their talents, and President Dissanayake awarded prizes to young winners in art and literature competitions.
