Development and propagation of Buddha Sasana:

Govt to moot international fund

Kapila SOMARATNE- Panadura group corr

Prime Minister and Buddha Sasana Minister D M Jayaratne said the Government is seriously considering the possibility of establishing an international fund to assist the development and propagation of the Buddha Sasana as there is a vast interest in foreign countries to learn Buddhism.

He said so addressing a Janahamuwa held at the Panadura Welipitiye Abeyakarunarathna Viharaya to mark the ordination of 36 children as Samaneras on January 17.

Ven Rajakeeya Panditha Ambulangoda Sri Sumangala Mahanayake Thera of Amarapura sector presided.

The Prime Minister stated that there are thousands of temples in the country but many of them are facing a dearth of Bhikkhus.

Therefore the Nayake Theras must make arrangements to ordain children who like to enter the sasana dedicate their lives for the propagation of the Buddha Sasana and create awareness among the Buddhists on the need to spend a peaceful life according to the Dhamma without being a burden on society.

He paid a tribute to the Mahanayake Thera of Amarapura Nikaya and other Bhikkhus who took a much interest to ordain the 35 children as Samaneras.

The Government would help the Mahasanghe to propagate the Buddha Dhamma in the country to mould the character of the children.