Maha Sangha instrumental in establishing disciplined society - Prime Minister

Kalutara group correspondent

The sacrifices made by the Maha Sangha for the preservation of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, resulted in establishing a disciplined society. The same can be said of the whole world, if the Maha Sangha takes the necessary interest and enthusiasm.

In such a situation our agriculture, other technical work and a noble society can be established by the temples, said Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse at the opening ceremony held at Bombuwala Subodhirajarama temple premises, Kalutara to confer higher ordination on 114 novices to recently.

Ven. Dauldena Gnanissara Maha Nayake Thera of Amarapura Sect administered pansil. Speaking further Prime Minister Rajapakse said Bombuwala temple as well as the village are historical places.

In an inscription found in the Pepiliyana Pirivena complex mention is made about this temple, when there were no facilities available for higher ordination, he said.

Such ceremonies had been held according to this inscription. Therefore this place can be recognised as a sacred place. From such a place the country can expect the progress of the society, he stated. The discipline in this country is disappearing fast.

Therefore the duty of re-establishing such discipline is a grave responsibility falling on the Buddhist monk. I am happy to note that highly qualified members of the Sangha are available who can be trusted with such responsibility. Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa emphasised the duty cast on the Maha Sangha in this respect.

Karu Jayasuriya, MP said that it is this responsibility of all of us to get-together to prevent the country deteriorating in discipline. The contribution that is expected of the Maha Sangha towards this is very important, he added.

Ven. Bellana Pemarathana Maha Nayake Thera of Amarapura Ariyadhamma Saddhamma Ukthika Sect said this is the first time that the Amarapura Sect held the higher ordination ceremony for large number of novices. These novices who will enter higher ordination should take to heart that they are going to handle a very high responsibility through their united sacrifice to bring back the losing values of the society. As they are spread over eight provinces of the country they can be expected of to carry out an important part in establishing a disciplined society, he said.

Ven. Halwathure Assaji Thera, the Chief Incumbent of Bombuwala temple said our sect "Amarapura" started with only 34 monks in 1900. It has increased to over one thousand today and this is the largest higher ordination ceremony that was held by this Sect.

The usual place where higher ordination is held was destroyed by the recent tsunami, therefore the site had to be shifted to Bombuwala temple premises and we consider it a happy event, Assagi Thera stated.

Deputy Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Welgama, Kalutara district MP Rajitha Senaratna, Ajith de Zoysa, President of Kalutara Bodhi Trust, MP Ven Ellawala Medhananda Thera also spoke.