PM to foster disciplined society

Prime Minister and Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Minister D.M. Jayaratne said he would submit a comprehensive report on proposals for setting up a disciplined society for Cabinet approval soon.

He would entertain suitable proposals from the Maha Sangha and clergy of other religions for inclusion in this report.

He said this when he met the Maha Sangha of the three Nikayas at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday to discuss measures to foster a disciplined society observing the five precepts concurrent to the forthcoming 2,600 Sambuddha Jayanthi celebrations.

The Prime Minister said Sri Lanka had preserved Buddhism in its pristine form for centuries. Nevertheless it was regrettable to note the serious deterioration of social and moral valves in recent times.

The Mahinda Chintana policies were aimed to create a disciplined society which followed the five precepts and it was the duty of all to carry forward that program to fruition.

The Prime Minister said the Maha Sangha had made a major contribution towards the success of the 30 year war by arraigning peoples minds against cruel terrorism.

This made the battle against terrorists easy, he said. He said the Government has planned a co-ordinated program to mark the 2,600 Sambuddha Jayanthi in a manner that would facilitate social and moral development.

The Maha Sangha led by the Most Ven. Tibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter, Most Ven. Devuldene Gnanissara Mahanayake Thera, Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Nayake Thera, Ven. Diviyagaha Yasassi Thera, the Ven. Madhuluwawe Sobhitha Thera and Ven. Dr. Welamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Chief Sanghanayake Thera were present.