'Religious education, prime qualification to become a leader'
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Parliamentary Secretary to the President, Kumarsiri Hettige
presenting a certificate to a dhamma school student.
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Religious education is one of the prime qualifications to become the
leader of the country and the best example for this is President Mahinda
Rajapaksa, says Parliamentary Secretary to the President Kumarsiri
Hettige.
He expressed these sentiments participating as chief guest at the
annual prize giving ceremony of the Buddhist Centre Dhamma School,
Bodhiya Road, Ihalagama, Deniyaya recently.
It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that their children
receive religious education, patriotic and virtuous individuals cannot
be created if children are confined only to competitive education, he
noted.
Hettige said," Our country needs more and more social workers. A true
social worker is a righteous person devoid of selfish motives. Humanity
is their forte. They think of the after world. There is a huge
difference between a politician and a genuine social worker. Social
workers do not enjoy special privileges and powers. While some
politicians think only of power. The true social worker acts with a
broader vision and sense. Teachers of dhamma schools who strive to mould
good citizens for a good country are such a genuine group of social
workers. They render a immeasurable service for moral uplift of our
society. They should not be isolated.
There are 10,024 dhamma schools and the number of students in them
exceeds 1.93 million. The number of dhamma school teachers is
approximately 102,800. If parents want their children to be virtuous,
they should be encouraged to pursue proper education. Due to extreme
competitiveness in our education system, parents tend to forget
religious education. This will result in dire consequences in the
future.
It has been revealed that most of those who have been engaged in
violent crimes have not received dhamma school education. Firstly,
parents must make sacrifices to guide their children. One may hold a
very high position, but if he or she lacks in humanity, they are of no
value.
Recently there was a report of one doctor poisoning drinking water of
another doctor's residence and there could not have been a better
example to illustrate to indicate our social degradation. Now we have a
liberated country. We were able to gain such a freedom due to the
political leadership given by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
His is a character nurtured and enriched by dhamma education. Dhamma
education is one of the main qualifications to become the leader of the
country. Today rapid development is taking place in every sphere. But
development alone cannot create a moralistic society. Parents, teachers
and school make an equally important impact in instilling discipline in
society.
A society fieled with people harbouring jealousy, hatred and malice
is not pleasant. We must align ourselves with the teachings of the
Buddha. The objective of Buddhist teaching is to impart wisdom to
understand things as they really are. The system of Buddhist education
promotes intellect and shows the path for liberation.
All children should keep in their mind the noble saying of the Buddha
that one should be his own light. Only then wisdom and light of life can
be attained. Gandhi described education as a complete picture inclusive
of infant, man, body, mind and soul. The great philosopher Aristotle
likened a person who has not received education to a dead person. Dhamma
school teachers help children to achieve the light of wisdom overcoming
negligence. The popular adage that if you are well-behaved, then even
deities will worship your name" - should be inculcated in minds of all
children.
It is the duty of all of us to let our children's world to bloom with
fragrance as flowers. Every child is an asset to the nation. If all our
children grow up with decency and sound virtues, then our future will be
rosy," he said.
Divisional Secretary of Kotapola, Senaka Palliyaguruge said "We
should understand the value of dhamma school education. Children are the
biggest asset of parents. The dhamma school renders immeasurable service
to guide children who embody our future, along the right path. Today,
children do not get opportunities for appreciation. Their patriotic
feelings should be brought forth. It is also important to be aware of
our history. The President is making a huge effort to rebuild and revive
this country".
The registrar of the Morawak Korala Sasanarakshaka Bala Mandala,
venerable Thalangalle Pungnyasara Thera, the Parivenadhipathi of the
Dharmadhwaja Pirivena, Deniyaya, Ven. Katuwana Chandarathana Thera
delivered anusasanas and the Principal of the Dhamma School, C.
Wijeratne and several others also spoke.
Kotapola Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Dayananda Abeywickrema, National
Cooperatives Federation, Chairman Bandu Ranawaka, Matara District Bala
mandala Chairman Mahinda Vidanapathirana and Hada Bima Authority
Director K. Samantha Buddika Hettige were present. |
