Schools to participate in celebrations

Priyanka KURUGALA

The Education Ministry has drawn up plans to hold the 2600th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi on a grand scale with the participation of every Buddhist school-going child throughout the country, Education Ministry Secretary H M Gunasekara said. He was addressing a press conference at the ministry.

The ministry has informed its staff to observe sil and engage in other religious programmes at every school which has a majority of Buddhist students, on May 13.

The Ministry has informed all schools which has a majority of Buddhist students to hold Sil and other religious programmes tomorrow.

A perahera organised by the Ministry with the participation of 1,000 schoolchildren will also be held. This will commence on May 16 from Vihara Mahadevi Park to Maligakanda Vidyodaya Pirivena.

The 2600th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi souvenirs published by the Education Ministry will also be launched.

The Education Ministry has also informed all Buddhist schools to establish Buddhist Societies.

Education Ministry Assistant Director Ven Watanapaha Somananda Thera said, 100 samaneras will be ordained at Pannipitiya Dewram Vehera on May 13.

Meanwhile, a Sil observance programme will be held at the Bhadhirajarama, Homagama on May 16.