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Minister considering to review Pirivena Education Act

Buddhasasana Minister W. J. M. Lokubandara, having paid serious attention to the decline in the knowledge of the Thripitikaya and Pali and Sanskrit languages among Buddhist monks, is considering to review the Pirivena Education Act to encourage Bhikkus to pass the Pracheena Examination and graduate themselves as pundits, states a media release from the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Justice, Law Reforms and National Integration.

At a meeting yesterday at the Public Trustee's Department attended by leading members of the Buddhist clergy, including Ven. Welamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Nayaka Thera, the President of the All Ceylon Sasanarakshaka Balamandalaya, it was decided to draw the attention of education authorities to take action in this regard.

Pirivena education consists of five basic standards. The fifth standard is the final.The subjects taught are Sinhala, Pali, Sanskrit, Thripitikaya, Mathematics, English and other optional subjects leading upto G.C.E. Ordinary Level and G.C.E. Advanced Level. As observed by participants at yesterday's discussion, Buddhist monks following pirivena education are prone to omit subjects most important to them as Buddhist monks and prepare themselves for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations.

Ven. Gonaduwe Gunananda Nayaka Thera, Ven. Harispattuwe Ariyawansalankara Nayaka Thera, Ven. Aluthgama Dhammananda Anunayaka Thera, Pirivena Education Director Ven. Madovita Pangnarama Thera, Buddhasasana Ministry Secretary N. W. Weralupitiya, Buddhist Affairs Commissioner M. W. Sunil and Buddhist dignitaries also participated.

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