Maha Sangha always served community with dedication - Minister Amunugama

The Maha Sangha who are considered as the guardian deities of the nation should try to guide the country on the correct path by going beyond political and other limitations said Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama.

He was addressing a conference attended by Viharadhipathis and Nayaka Theras attached to Buddhist Temples in Kandy district at the Kandy Pushpadana Hall on November 25.

Dr. Amunugama said if the Maha Sangha engaged in such a process, their services would be etched in people's hearts for ever. Thanking the Maha Sangha for being present at the conference in full force in response to their request Dr. Amunugama said a special feature in the Sasana in Sri Lanka was the dedication shown by the Maha Sangha towards the service of the community.

Bhikkhus in Sri Lanka had set an example to the whole world by not seeking personal material benefits at the expense of the people. Therefore, as politicians it was their bounden duty to develop Temples and Buddhist places of warship especially in the difficult areas.

Development of the Temple would ultimately lead to the development of the village. Dr. Amunugama said he would formulate a programme to cater to the needs of all temples in the district with the assistance of the Ministries of Religious Affairs and Nation Building.

Central provincial Council Member and Chief Whip of the Governing group in the Central Provincial Council Dilum Amunugama said, we as a nation would not have been able to speak of a proud heritage if not for the dedicated and selfless services rendered by the Maha Sangha during the last 2550 years.

Ven. Prof. Hanguranketha Dheerananda Thera, Ven. Ambanpola Sumangala Thera and Ven. Rajakeeya Panditha Napana Premasiri Thera delivered Annusasana. Nation Building Minister S.M. Chandrasena and Religious Affairs Minister Panadu Bandaranayaka also spoke.