President pledges commitment to safeguard Sasana

Rohan Mathes

President Mahinda Rajapaksa affirmed his fullest co-operation and commitment to the implementation of the Sambuddha Jayanthi Working Plans-2006.

President Rajapaksa also pledged his and the Government's fullest assistance and commitment to work for the well-being and the longevity of the Buddha Sasana, based on the decisions taken by the Maha Sangha.

The Sambuddha Jayanthi Working Plan-2006 compiled to commemorate the completion of 2600 years of Buddhahood in 2011, was presented to the President by Kelaniya University Chancellor, the Most Venerable Welametiyawe Kusaladhamma Thera at Temple Trees yesterday. The plans had been prepared by the Maha Sangha, in consultation with the lay leaders of Buddhist Associations.

The Working Plan prepared on the advice and blessings of the Mahanayakes of the Three Chapters, will be implemented by a Committee comprising the Maha Sangha, leading Buddhist laity and a Sambuddha Jayanthi Secretariat Office which would be established under the auspices of President Rajapaksa. The plan will start on Vesak Poya Day of 2008.

The Maha Sangha lauded President Rajapaksa's 'Developing the Country by developing Man', concept to establish a just society.

The Maha Sangha who blessed the President with 'Seth Pirith' said there had been a resurgence within the Buddhist community.

Chief of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sanga Sabhava Agga Maha Panditha, Most Venerable Kotugoda Dhammavasa Thera and other Maha Sanghas participated.