“History has been changed by certain persons purposely or by some mistake. Therefore, parents should help their children to study the correct history. It is the story of who we are, where we are, where we came from and can potentially reveal where we are headed,” Veddah Chief Wanaspathi UruwarigeWannilaaththo told the members of the Gokarella Elders’ Society when they visited him at Dambana recently
He said that today our country is facing this unfortunate situation as it has been ruled by politicians who had no proper knowledge about the history of the country. The country which was once called the “Granary of the East” has been converted into a ‘refugees’ camp today. All Governments in power so far from 1948 are responsible for this. Anyway, I am happy to see that the present Government is trying its best to grant some sort of relief to the masses,” he added.
Wannilaaththo said that history is important to study because it is essential for all of us to understand ourselves and the world around us. The younger generation should read the history of our exemplary and heroic ancestors and try to mould their own characters too. Certain people look down upon us saying that what we preach is Wedi Bana (Veddah’s preaching ). But if these people had listened to our preaching properly, the country would not have fallen into such a pitiable condition,” he added.