Re-establish Buddhasasana Ministry - Mahanayake Theras

Asela Kuruluwansa

The Mahanayake Theras of the three Nikayas in a memorandum to the President have requested him to reestablish the Buddhasasana Ministry to facilitate the systematic implementation of Buddhasasana affairs in the country.

Such a step would enable the preservation and nurturing of Buddhism in terms of the provisions in the constitution states the memorandum signed by the Most. Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera of the Malwatte Chapter, Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitta Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter, Most. Ven. Dawuldene Gnaneeswara Mahanayaka Thera of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya, and the Most. Ven. Wewaldeniye Medhalankara Mahanayaka Thera of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya.

The prelates have stated that the blessings of the Maha Sangha are always with the President, Government and the war heroes for creating peace and the environment necessary for national development.

No party could oppose the setting up of a Buddhasasana Ministry since it is customary for Governments since the time of Sinhala Kings to give priority for the promotion and nurturing of Buddhism in the country, the memorandum stated.