The 36th anniversary of the National Namal Uyana was celebrated on a grand scale, drawing a massive gathering of devotees and citizens under the guidance of Ven. Vanavasi Rahula Thero.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, along with several cabinet ministers and public representatives, attended the commemorative event, which celebrated the preservation of the sacred Rose Quartz deposit and the surrounding eco-system as a proud national heritage, despite facing immense challenges over the years.
Addressing the large gathering at the National Namal Uyana—home to South Asia’s largest rose quartz mountain range and the largest Na tree forest—Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that a nation’s true investment lies in the education and character development of its children rather than physical buildings.
“The true investment of any country is not inside the buildings we construct, but within the education and character development of our children,” the Prime Minister stated.
She further highlighted the government’s ongoing education reforms aimed at fostering well-rounded individuals who are not confined merely to exams but also possess a deep love for the environment. Highlighting the government’s commitment to environmental conservation, the Prime Minister noted that the National Environmental Amendment Act was successfully passed in Parliament after 25 years, introducing stricter penalties—including fines up to 20 million rupees and prison sentences—for industries and individuals illegally dumping hazardous waste. Furthermore, fines ranging from 1 to 10 million rupees have been instituted against the destruction of protected wetlands.
She also noted that due to a special groundwater protection initiative implemented around the area, residents surrounding Namal Uyana have now gained access to free, clean drinking water.
Delivering an anusasana (blessing), the founder of National Namal Uyana, Ven. Vanavasi Rahula Thero, stated:
“We had to endure immense hardships to protect this Namal Uyana. Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility. While I do not comment on politics, it is a significant positive change that government officials and ministers now actively listen to our phone calls and concerns. Since our Prime Minister is present here today, I would like to make two key requests: to rebuild and upgrade the Galkiriyagama Regional Hospital and to develop the Aadiyagala School.”
Responding to the Thero’s appeal, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa assured that the government would fulfill the request to develop the Galkiriyagama Regional Hospital, including addressing staff vacancies through upcoming recruitments. He also noted that under the government’s strong emphasis on education—backed by an allocation of 500 billion rupees in the 2027 budget—the Aadiyagala School is included among the schools designated for development through the new education reforms.
The event was graced by Ven. Vanavasi Rahula Thero and the Maha Sangha, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, Member of Parliament Thilina Tharuka, Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman G.K. Bandara, other local government representatives, Presidential Chief of Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Korean representatives, state officials, and a large gathering of local residents.
