Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says mature religious leadership is essential to strengthening harmony and cooperation among communities in multicultural areas across the country.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while attending a ceremony in Anamaduwa on Wednesday (13) to present the official appointment letter to Venerable Anamaduwe Dharmakeerthi Sri Panyanananda Thero following his appointment as the Chief Sanghanayaka of the Rajavanni and Kumaravanni provinces.

Addressing the gathering, PM said areas such as Anamaduwa, where Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities coexist, demonstrate the importance of religious leadership in maintaining unity and social harmony.

“Mature religious leadership is essential to further strengthen coexistence and cooperation among communities living in multicultural areas,” the Prime Minister said.

She also praised the Nayaka Thero’s contribution to religious and educational service, noting that he had dedicated nearly five decades to monastic life and more than 35 years to the education sector.

She also commended his involvement in community support initiatives, including assistance provided to residents affected by Cyclone Ditwah in the Puttalam District, and praised efforts taken to preserve religious heritage sites, including renovation work carried out at the Paramakanda Rajamaha Viharaya.

The ceremony, held at Sudampaya in Anamaduwa, was presided over by Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thero, Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also attended the event and presented the traditional Vijinipatha to the newly appointed Chief Sanghanayaka Thero.

Members of the Maha Sangha, clergy from other religious denominations, government ministers, MPs and public officials were also present.