Sambuddhathva Jayanthi :

Samanera training centre in India

Priyanka KURUGALA

A discussion to establish a Samanera Bhikkhu Training Centre at Buddhagaya, India to mark the 2600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi was held at Charikaramaya under the patronage of Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera.

Addressing the meeting, the Thera said that Indian Maha Bodhi Society General Secretary Ven Dodamgoda Rewatha and the Indian Mahabodhi Society are working to protect the heritage of Buddhists in India. The programme launched by Anagarika Dharmapala in India to protect Buddhism should be continued, he said.

"India is a large country. Sri Lanka should get Indian government's support to spread Buddhism in India. We should train many Bhikkus to make this a success", the Thera said. "When I was participating in a ceremony at Andra Pradesh in India, a number of Buddhists requested me to send Buddhist monks to carry out Buddhist missionary activities. Some requested us to ordain them. Therefore it is necessary to set up a Bhikku Training Centre in India," the Thera said.