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| Friday, 30 July 2004 |
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by Asela Kuruluwansa and Indika Polkotuwa Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the westerners are aware of the essence of Buddhist philosophy. They are engaged in further research in it and hence the responsibility of Maha Sangha is to help them and propagate the Dhamma. The foreigners are more interested in studying further about Buddhism than Buddhists in Sri Lanka and are far more interested in practising meditation (bhawana), the Prime Minister said. He said so at the historic Mangala Uposhathagaraya of the Malwatte Chapter addressing the gathering at the ceremony held on July 28 to give away the Sannas Patraya of the Dharma Keerthi Sri Rahula Siriniwasa honorary title with the post of Chief Sanghanayaka of North America to Ven. Pallebage Chandrasiri Thera by the Malwatte Chapter Mahanayaka Thera and the Karaka Sangha Sabha. The Anunayaka of the Malwatte Chapter Rajakeeya Panditha Ven. Ambanwelle Sri Pragnasekera Thera presented the Sannas Pathraya to Ven. Pallebage Chandrasiri Thera. The Premier further said the bhikkhus should learn English and other foreign languages and learn about Information Technology with a view to propagate Buddhism in foreign countries. He said by providing necessary help to the Buddhist monks, Buddhism can be easily spread all over the world. He wished Ven. Pallebage Chandrasiri Thera courage and ability to propagate Buddhism. Addressing the gathering Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara said that he was very much pleased that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse is keenly interested in Buddhist affairs. Deputy Chief Sanghanayaka of the Southern Sri Lanka, Rajakeeya Panditha Venerable Pallaththara Sri Sumanajothi Thera said Buddhism is fostered well over 2500 years but at present there seems to be some setbacks. Kotte Sri Naga Viharadhipathi, Ven. Dr. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera and Prof. Thilak Kariyawasam were among the speakers and Galle District UNP MP, Gayantha Karunathilake and Kandy High Court Judge, D. S. C. Lecamwasam also participated. |
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