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Plans to issue free bus passes to Dhamma school teachers

by Hanwella Group Correspondent

Western Province Cultural Affairs Minister Sunil Jayamini said that action would be taken by the WPC to issue free bus passes to Dhamma school teachers of the Province to travel in private buses from next year.

He was addressing a ceremony held at Hanwella Rajasinghe National School in connection with the awarding of certificates to 192 dhamma school teachers who participated at a two day training programme.

Sinadi Sivu Korale Dvithiya Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka, Hanwella Pradeshiya Sasanarakshaka Mandalaya Chairman Ven. Kahahene Medhananda Thera presided.

The thera said there were constant requests from Bhikkus for financial assistance to construct or renovate temples. But these requests could not be granted due to lack of funds.

The funds allocated for dhamma education was Rs. 75,000. In 1986 he proposed to the WPC to increase these funds to Rs. 200,000. However, it was agreed to increase the amount to Rs. 150,000, but it could not be implemented at that stage, he said.

He also said that the knowledge of Lankan history among schoolchildren was very poor. Therefore action is being taken by his Ministry to introduce a booklet on ancient Sinhala kings and National leaders, for use in dhamma schools in order to inculcate patriotism in children, he said.

WPC Deputy Chairman Sumith Wijayamuni Soyza said that dhamma education was essential to build a peaceful environment in the country.

He said that an equal amount of money spent for national education should be allocated for dhamma education as 'Dhamma' is vital to mould the character of children.

He also said that he had decided to allocate Rs. 50,000 each to the Hanwella and Padukka Sasanarakshaka Mandalayas.

WPC Industries, Social Services, Fisheries, Probation and Child Care Services and Tourism Minister Mahesh Almeida said that dhamma school teachers performed a voluntary service, setting an example to paid teachers who earned money by conducting private tuition classes.

He said that the WPC is organising a felicitation ceremony to be held next year to honour their valuable services.

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