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| Friday, 17 January 2003 |
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by Ananda Kannangara Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe commended the development of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka and said it was the duty of all clergy, laity and the Government to preserve and propagate Buddhism. He made these observations at the inaugural ceremony of the International Buddhist conference at the Central Bank Auditorium under the theme 'Buddha Sasana in Theravada Buddhist countries: Issues and the Way Forward'. The Premier said Sri Lanka was proud to hold an international conference on Buddhism at a time when Buddhists commemorate the 250th anniversary of introducing the higher ordination system under the auspices of Ven. Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thera." "The introduction of this higher ordination was also supported by Ven. Upali Thera from Thailand," he said. The Premier said Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam and Bhutan protected and cherished Theravada Buddhism in the early period. "But this now exists only in countries like Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka," he said. "Although Lord Buddha was born in India, his doctrine spread in most South Asian countries in the latter period. However it is the duty of all Buddhists to preserve and propagate this religion in the years to come," the premier said. Speaking on the history of the introduction Buddhism to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister said it was King Dharmasoka who helped bring Buddhism here through Arahat Mahinda. He said Buddhism spread in Sri Lanka from Mahavihara, Anuradhapura. "During the 17th century, King Parakramabahu too helped propagate Buddhism in this country," he said. Buddhasasana Minister W.J.M Lokubandara commended the services of Ven. Welivita Sri Saranankara Thera to propagate Buddhism in the country. The Minister said Buddhism was cherished by many kings during the Dambadeniya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura eras. "Not only kings but also Buddhist monks like Ven. Totagamuwe Sri Rahula Thera helped develop Buddhism," he said. Lokubandara praised the services of then Governor Chalmers to propagate Buddhism by translating Pali books into English. Most Ven. Madihe Pannasiha Thera, Vevaldeniye Medalankara and several Mahanayaka Theras were also present. Ministers, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse and Diyawadena Nilame Neranjan Wijeratne were also present. The conference was also attended by clergy and laity from India, Thailand, Vietnam, Bhutan, Laos and Cambodia where Theravada Buddhism exists. Monks from Indonesia, Siam, Korea, China and other countries also attended to observe the proceedings of the inaugural session. The conference was held at Hotel Galadari, Colombo yesterday and will continue till January 19 . |
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