Legislation to be introduced to implement Buddhist Commission recommendations - Buddha Sasana Minister

The Government is in the process of enacting legislation to implement the main recommendations of the Buddha Sasana Commission one by one.

With the enactment of these legislation they would be able to ward off the existing threats faced by Buddhism, said the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Public Security, Law and Order and Deputy Minister of Defence Ratnasiri Wickremanayake at a ceremony held after the laying of the foundation stone for a Bodhi Prakaraya at the Shailatharama temple in Yatiyantota recently.

The ceremony in connection with the event was presided by Ven. Boswelle Dhammawansa Thera, former Principal of the Seethavaka Piriven Teacher Training Vidyalaya.

The Minister said that certain sections are criticising some of the proposals of the Buddhist Commission based on unfounded beliefs and fears and without taking the true facts into consideration.

They have to accept the reality that Buddhism faces threats from certain other religious groups. Legislation is being framed to prevent this. Such legislation is no way intended to harm or undermine other religions. They are intended to solve the problems amicably whenever such problems crop up.

The Minister said that the Buddha Sasana Ministry always acted in a manner to prevent controversies and disputes. They appointed the Acting Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa under Section 32 of the Temple and Devale Ordinance. The Ministry delayed making any comments in order to prevent any misunderstandings on the statements made by the Mahanayake Theras.

He said, "This is a time when the country is faced with various controversies and problems. The tsunami disaster apart from causing untold hardships has also damaged 197 Buddhist temples.

There is no assistance forthcoming from foreign countries to repair them as most of the donations received are for development of infrastructure facilities and construction of houses.

However we will not just look on and wait even though we will not get foreign assistance to rehabilitate these temples. We will find our own resources and rehabilitate these temples before the end of this year."

Minister Wickremanayake said that it is the Government's objective to make the village temple the centre of development activity of the village where the peoples requirements and needs are met.

Every assistance would be given by the Government towards this programme. It is the natural tendency of anyone to be attracted towards centres where they get an economic benefit. "We would make the temple such a centre where the people would always go for assistance and guidance," said the Minister.

The village temple will also be a centre where the students could follow extra classes in many subjects including English so that they would not spend on private tuition and encourage them to go to Dhamma schools.

The Government is taking steps to make Sunday fully devoted to Dhamma School day. Studies have shown that students who attend Dhamma schools are veered away from crime and bad habits, added the Minister.