Basil says Mahanayakes bless Divi Neguma

Midst multiple cases against it and Supreme Court ruling pending, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said yesterday that the Mahanayake Theras have welcomed Divi Neguma program.

"The Mahanayake Theras welcomed the success of the Divi Neguma program and expressed confidence that its success would prove a major boost to the national economy," Rajapaksa's Ministry said in a statement.

Rajapaksa yesterday presented vessels containing vegetable seeds along with mango and jak plants to the Most Venerable Thibbotuwawe Sumangala Thera, Mahanayake of the Malwatte Chapter, the Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera, Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter, and the Most Venerable Napane Premasiri Thera, Mahanayake of the Ramanna Nikaya, to mark the start of the fourth stage of the Divi Neguma program.

The islandwide national seed planting campaign (2012-2013 Maha Season) will begin today at 10:11 a.m.

The Most Venerable Thibbotuwawe Sumangala Thera also expressed his appreciation to Minister Rajapaksa for mediating to end the strike staged by the university academic staff.

Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayaka, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Dela Bandara, Industrial and Commerce Ministry Secretary Anura Siriwardena, and Public Trustee Sarath Seneviratne were among those who attended the meeting.