April 07th Kandy: Most Ven. Rambukwelle Sri Vipassi, Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter said yesterday that he had been looking forward for a long time to see the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister.

"We are pleased that our wish has come true with the formation of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Government," the Ven. Thera said. He thanked President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and others in the UPFA for appointing Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister.

The Ven. Thera said the new Prime Minister has rendered a yeoman service to the country. "May he get the courage to serve the masses for many years to come," the Ven. Thera added.

Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakhkhitha Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter also expressed his pleasure at the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new Prime Minister.

Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter Ven. Prof. Warakawe Dhammaloka Thera said Rajapakse's ascension to the post of Premier was a tribute to the Southern masses. He said successive governments neglected the development of the South. Now, the South has produced a Prime Minister who will be able to stimulate development in the region. "He is a good Buddhist respected by all sections of the community. He is also close to the Maha Sangha. No one can oppose his appointment," he added.