|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 5 May 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Politics | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
| Priority to bring solace to the people - Media Minister By Varnajith Sumanasekera Information and Media Minister Reginald Cooray, opening the "Vesak Yaaya" Lantern Exhibition opposite the Lake House yesterday stated that the core of Buddhist philosophy has to be taken before the people and for that purpose the Government must bring together the erudite Buddhist monks in order to spread Buddhism. He said that in modern days we are used to a popular style of preaching which is musical and poetic, a fashion through which it is difficult to explain the deep philosophy expounded in Buddhism. The exhibition is jointly organized by the Silumina, Budusarana and Daily News newspapers of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (Lake House) under the sponsorship of the C. L. P. L. Organization. The exhibition was opened with the Minister switching on the lights. Present were, Ministry Secretary W.P.Ganegala, ANCL Chairman Janadasa Peiris and Mrs. Peiris, C.L.P.L.Managing Director Roshan Kodituwakku and the Board of Directors, staff, and veteran journalist Edwin Ariyadasa, amidst a large crowd. The Minister said activities promoting devotion to the Triple Gem are meritorious. The respect and devotion of our people towards Buddha sustained Buddhism in this country through centuries, though Buddhism gradually faded away in India, the country of its origin. The Government must give priority to bringing solace to the people through knowledge, ideology, concept and a clear vision of life. The relationship between the Government and the religion is inseparable. If we separate civilization, culture and religion apart from each other what would be left with us? Therefore the State must take Buddhism forward. The media has an enormous task in helping to achieve this end, stated the Minister. Lake House Chairman Janadasa Peiris addressing the gathering observed that he considered it fortunate to attend this event as his first official function after assuming duties as the Chairman. Lake House is an institution that respected and gave priority to religious and cultural activities from the very inception. In addition to conducting lantern competitions and Bhakthigee recitals regularly to commemorate Vesak, the Lake House conducts the annual "Aloka Pooja" at Mihintale for the poson fullmoon and publishes the "Budusarana" weekly to propagate Buddhism, said the Chairman. Lake House Editorial Director Karunaratne Paranavithana thanked the C.L.P.L. Organization for its sponsorship, while "Budusaranna" Editor Chandrasena A.Ranaweera delivered the vote of thanks. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
