Measures to prevent bhikkhus leaving order

Priyanka KURUGALA

The All Ceylon Buddhist Congress has drawn up a plan to prevent bhikkhus from disrobing and leaving the order, All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Chairman Jagath Sumathipala said. The All Ceylon Buddhist Congress has identified a number of reasons that have led monks to leave the order. According to the ACBC Chairman one of the major reasons that caused the above pathetic situation is to look after their parents. "Therefore the ACBC has planned to introduce a system to protect the parents of monks," he said.

"Some monks contemplate to disrobe due to the unsystematic education for monks in the country. There are many shortcomings in the Piriven educational system and therefore a notable number of monks disrobe annually," he said. The ACBC Chairman proposes that the country ordain young boys annually to protect Buddhism. As a second step it is the duty of the authorities and everybody in the country to protect young monks. They should be educated under eminent teachers.