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| Thursday, 22 January 2004 |
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Panadura group correspondent The establishment of a Supreme Buddhist Organisation among the bhikkhus is vital to protect the Buddhasasana and the country because Buddhist leaders and some bhikkhus have lost their morals due to various threats, said Ven. Boyagoda Wimalasiri Mahanayake Thera of Amarapura Saddarmaukthika Nikaya. He was addressing a religious ceremony at the Panadura Rankoth Viharaya last Sunday to present Akthapathraya (Act of Appointment) to Buddhist scholar, Ven. Rekawa Gunasiri Thera, chief incumbent of the Sri Dharmaramaya at Kaludewala, Panadura on being appointed as the Mahanayake Thera of Matara Sector of Amarapura Siri Saddarmaukthika Nikaya. Ven. Boyagoda Wimalasiri Mahanayake Thera said the bhikkhus must safe guard the Buddhasasana and the Buddhists. Ven. Dr. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera said there was no need to do away with Sectors (Nikayas) among the Maha Sangha because there was no conflict among the sectors of bhikkhus in the country. "Bhikkhus must come forward to safeguard the Buddhasasana. It is a common scene at official and religious ceremonies some of our bhikkhus do not stand as a respect when the National Anthem is sung. Some bhikkhus get up with the other guests. But some Maha Sanghas are seated," he said. "All must respect the National Anthem and the National Flag. The Mahanayake of every sector of Maha Sangha must respect the National Anthem and direct bhikkhus who participate at religious and official ceremonies to uphold that tradition," he said. Professor Mendis Rohanadeera said the arrival of Ven. Arahanth Mahinda Thera from India at Mihintale 2548 years ago was not a surprise visit but a well-organised visit. He said King Devanampiyatissa of Anuradhapura sent a deputation to Barathadesaya (India) to build a bond of friendship between the Emperor Asoka of India. Then the deputation who were in India met the Emperor Asoka and assured that he would send a deputation of Buddhists to Ceylon. Subsequently they arrived in Sri Lanka on Poson Poya Day and proceeded to Mihintale, King Devanampiyatissa met them and established Buddhasasana. The Professor said the bhikkhus must do away with their sectors and Mahanayake Theras in the country must appoint a Supreme Head - Maha Sangaraja on behalf of all bhikkhus in the country to guide them and safeguard the Buddhasasana. The Minister of Justice and Buddhasasana W.J.M. Lokubandara said, these days more allegations were levelled against the Government for not safeguarding the Buddhasasana. He said the due place to the Buddhasasana was given in the constitution by the governments that introduced the constitutions to our country. However the UNF Government would present a bill in Parliament to safeguard the Buddhasasana in the near future. He said the Police could act under the Section 290 of the Criminal Procedure Code and take action against any person who caused harm to any religion or religious activities in our country. As Buddhists we do not condemn other religions or religious leaders. Instead we should create a bond of strong religious friendship among the religions and religious leaders in our country to safeguard the religious activities. The Opposition Leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa said, the bhikkhus must propagate the Buddha, Dhamma without making adverse remarks on other religions. We all must safeguard and strengthen Buddhist activities in our country without causing harm to other religions. |
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