Lanka seeks Malaysian help for Dhamma school uplift

COLOMBO: Ven. Kirinde Dhammaratana Thera, the newly appointed Chief Sanghanayake Thera of Malaysia who called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on Monday, discussed with the President the possibility of obtaining Malaysian Government Contribution towards the uplift of the daham pasal system in Sri Lanka.

The Prelate added that he would make arrangements to set up a new Pirivena Education Centre in Sri Lanka under Malaysian assistance, a release from the Presidential Secretary said.

He also planned to initiate an educational scholarship scheme for children of low income families in Sri Lanka under Malaysian Government aid.

President Rajapaksa said these Buddhist activities would help consolidate mutual relations between Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Ven. Kirinde Dhammaratana Thera who was accompanied by Ven. Bodagama Chandima Thera and a group of Sri Lankan bhikkus residing in Malaysia also handed over to the President a consignment of wheelchairs gifted by the Malaysia Maha Viharaya dayaka sabha for distribution among the needy.

Ven. Kirinde Dhammaratana Thera received his act of appointment as the new chief Sanghanayake Thera of Malaysia from the Ven. Tibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter at the Uposhathagaraya of the Malwatte Viharaya in Kandy on Monday morning.

He fills the vacancy created by the demise of Ven. Kirinde Dhammananda Chief Sanghanayake Thera