Most Venerable Professor Ittademaliye Indasara Thera, the Chief Incumbent of Sri Sambuddhaloka Maha Viharaya, Colombo Fort said yesterday that the late D.R. Wijewardene can be introduced as a leader who practically implemented and demonstrated religious and national harmony.
The Thera further remarked that there is no division of religion, race, or language under the roof of Lake House, where people of all faiths and languages serve together like siblings born of the same mother.
Most Venerable Professor Ittademaliye Indasara Thera, who also the former Vice-Chancellor of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, the Deputy Chief Sanghanayaka of Southern Sri Lanka, and the Patron of the Lake House Buddhist Association, made these observations while participating in an almsgiving (Sanghika Dana) held yesterday (24) to commemorate the 140th birth anniversary of the founder of Lake House, the late D.R. Wijewardene.
An all-night Pirith chanting ceremony was also held on the previous day (23) to mark the birth anniversary. The Board of Directors, staff, and the Buddhist Association of Lake House organised these meritorious activities.
Delivering the sermon, Most Venerable Professor Ittademaliye Indasara Thera stated that Mr. Wijewardene remains an exemplary figure whose life serves as a model for all. He noted that although Mr. Wijewardene was educated in England, he utilised indigenous architecture for the Lake House building, reflecting his patriotism and cultural values.
“His life principle was to give priority to Buddhism while granting freedom and respect to all other religions,” the Thera said. He described Mr. Wijewardene as a disciplined leader who observed the law himself, monitored all departments personally, and encouraged employees with kind words. The Thera added that Mr. Wijewardene believed newspapers were a medium to show the truth to the people, a principle that maintains public trust in Lake House newspapers to this day.
Venerable Lihiniyawe Dhammaratana Thera of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Viharaya also addressed the gathering, noting that the noble qualities and gentlemanly nature of the late founder are still visible in his son, Mr. Ranjith Wijewardene. He described the religious ceremony as a rare example of gratitude, a human virtue that remains constant despite changes in technology and time.
The Chief Sanghanayaka of the Bentara Walallawita Korale including Galle district and Chief Incumbent of the Talgaswela Manampitiya Sri Punyawardhanaramaya, Venerable Manampitiya Amitha Nayaka Thera, also delivered a sermon during the event.
The occasion was attended by Lake House Chairman and Managing Director Gamini Warushamana, Director Editorial Senior Journalist Sisira Yapa, Director Finance Channa Kewitiyagala, Director Operations Chamara Janaraj Peiris, Director Legal Chamara Nanayakkara-wasam, General Manager Sumith Kothalawala, and Company Secretary Sudarshi Hewawasam. Deputy General Managers, newspaper editors, department heads, and staff members were also present.
