Ancient temples provide eloquent testimony to the heritage of the Buddhist people in Sri Lanka. They are also the best example of the Buddhist culture, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing a ceremony held on 15th October to mark the inauguration of the Kalagam Viharaya, Kebithigollewa after being restored after about 1000 years.

During my last visit to Kebithigollewa what I saw was a scene of terror with children like dolls massacred mercilessly in cold blood and the lamentation of the parents brought tears to millions in the country. That day, I promised to the tearful parents that I would not allow terrorists to repeat such massacres. And I am happy that I am able to visit Kebithigollewa again, President said.

Though peace has dawned there are still obstacles. War has ended but pressures have not abated. Terrorists have stopped kidnapping and deploying claymore bombs. Their accusations against Sri Lanka have not stopped, the President noted.

The funds terrorists spent on arms now are channeled to implement vicious agendas to drag us before International Courts. But we will more forward. We are also determined to continue the reconstruction of war-ravaged North and East and at the same speed; villages like Kebithigollewa too will be developed, President further stated.