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| Monday, 12 January 2004 |
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By Chamikara Weerasinghe Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday solicited support of the Maha Sangha to re-establish the country's position to develop and spread the doctrine of The Buddha. The Premier was addressing a gathering of eminent members of the Maha Sangha, Ministers and their secretaries, MPs, Ambassadors, legal luminaries, dignitaries and the public at the BMICH after presenting the Akthapathra to the new Mahanayaka Nayaka Thera of the Amarapura Sri Dharmarakshitha Nikaya, Most Ven. Weligama Sri Gnanarathana Thera at the ceremonial presentation of the act of the Thera's appointment to the post yesterday. Among those present were Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse, ministers Karu Jayasuriya, W.J.M. Lokubandara, Karunasena Kodituwakku and Milinda Moragoda. Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse handed over "Vijinipatha" to the new Mahanayaka Thera. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe expressed his willingness to appoint an Advisory Committee comprising members of the Maha Sangha to develop system of education for Bhikshus in Pirivenas. "The government is prepared to extend its support to a comprehensive program in spreading the Buddha Dhamma in European countries as well as in Asian countries," he said. "Since education of young Buddhist monks to suit the requirements of 21st century will be paramount in this aspect, they should be facilitated to become computer and IT literate through a comprehensive program ," he said showing the government's preparedness to extend its support to such a program by way of funding other necessary means. Wickremesinghe suggested that the program should focus on making Sri Lanka a centre for Theravada Buddhist studies. Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera said on this occasion that priority should be given to protect the Buddha Dhamma in the country against many forces targeting its destruction as at present. Pointing out at the present political situation in the country and threats levelled against the Buddha Dhamma, The Thera urged the Mahanayaka Theras to discuss among themselves and form a congregation of the like of a model Cabinet to lead the country. He said that such a supreme committee to advise its leaders may help the country's welfare, people's and their religions. He said that Buddhist temples in the Northern and North-Western were no longer to be found. The temples that have been destroyed have not been re-constructed although the Constitution stipulates that it is the duty of the government to protect the Ministry of Lord Buddha. Most Ven. Boyagoda Wimalasiri Mahanayaka Thera said it has been learnt that attempts were being made to throw successful Sinhala Buddhist businessmen out of operation. Some of the leaders of the country have lost their morels so much that some politicians had reportedly attended dances at hotels in Colombo on the day of the funeral of Ven. Gangodawila Soma thera. Ven. Wimalasiri Mahanayaka Thera requested the Mahanayaka Theras to form a Bhikshu organisation to protect the country, the nation and the Buddha Dhamma. Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapkse said here he would support any move taken by the government to protect the Buddha Shasana at this hour, and said," we shall not reduce ourselves to hold on to our political or party differences before a crisis that has posed a great danger to our country." Buddha Sasana Minister W.J.M. Lokubandara said that steps would be taken in the near future to stop unethical religious conversions. "I also feel the necessity to form a Supreme Committee of the Mahasangha," he said. |
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