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Effort should be made to promote Buddhist culture - Myanmar Ambassador

by Kuliyapitiya group correspondent

As the world is changing very fast in accordance with the information revolution caused by the communication technology we see the big potentials of adverse impact of globalisation that causes erosion of traditional Buddhist culture and civilization. At this critical stage an effort of promoting Buddhist culture should be taken, The Myanmar Ambassador of Sri Lanka U. Than Tun said.

He was addressing the ceremony held to mark the awarding of the credential to Ven. Elabodagama Wimalasara Thera on his being appointed the Deputy Sangha Nayaka of Chilaw Division with the honorary title "Dharmakeerthi Sri Pannaloka."

The Ambassador added that Buddhism was a very tolerant religion that always creates opportunities to live in peace. Buddhists never persuade or forcibly convert the devotees of other religions to Buddhism.

The cordial relationship between Myanmar and Sri Lanka is centuries old. The foundation of that relationship is the Theravadha Buddhism.

During the reign of King Anavaratha (1044-1077 AD) the Thripitaka was sent to Myanmar by King Vijeyabhahu of Sri Lanka. Since then Myanmar had been a fervent adherent of Theravadha Buddhism. However in later years when the pure tradition of Dhamma was on the wane in Sri Lanka it was re-informed with the help of Myanmar.

Due to the adverse impacts of foreign invasions the Bhikkus of Sri Lanka lost the Upasampada in 17th century. At the time Ven. Welitota Sri Gnanawimala Thissa with other monks obtained higher ordination at Amarapura in Myanmar. That followed the formation of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya. In 1864 too some Bhikkus from Sri Lanka obtained Upasampada from Ramannya Deha in Myanmar and formed Sri Lanka Ramannya Maha Nikaya in Sri Lanka.

At this stage I would like to express my sincere wishes not only to maintain religious relationships but also to enhance the relationships in various other fields between the people of Myanmar and Sri Lanka in future.

The Chancellor Kelaniya University Ven. Welamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Nayaka Thera said, it is neither the Buddha statues in Vihara Mandiras, nor the Chethiyas nor the Bo trees nor the Dhamma books but it is the Bhikkus protected the Sasana. If not for the Maha Sangha the Sasana along with the religious symbols such as temples would be eliminated.

The first lesson the Lord Buddha taught the world after the enlightenment was gratitude. He paid his gratitude to the Asathu tree that gave him the shade to sit under to attain Buddhahood by way of "Animisalochana Puja". The motive of that puja was the teaching of humanity to the world. Awarding Nayaka posts to the Bhikkus who perform an invaluable service to society and the Sasana is also a mark of gratitude.

The Chairman Jathika Sangha Sabha Ven. Madoluwawe Sobhitha Thera said that from the very ancient times the Bhikkus gave leadership to the people.

Ven. Mugunuwatawana Siddhaththa Nayaka, Ven. Gatahette Sobhitha Nayaka, Ven. Magulagana Upathissa Nayaka and Ven. Elabodagama Wimalasara Nayaka Theras and the Minister of Water Management and Irrigation Gamini Jayawickrema Perera also spoke.

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