Sangha commends govt's social, religious services

Social and religious services carried out by the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in line with the 2600th Sambuddathva Jayanthiya earned commendation from the Maha Sangha, including the Chief Prelates of the Buddhist order, a statement issued by the President's media division said yesterday.

The country has witnessed the revival of Buddhism with the declaration of 2011 as the Sambuddathva Jayanthi year by President Mahinda Rajapaksa .

The statement said that the Sri Sambudathva Jayanthi operation committee secretariat appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2009 mainly focuses on the development of Buddhist temples around the country to coincide with the 2600th Sri Sambuddathva Jayanthiya.

The Secretariat has already provided Rs. 311 million for the development of 411 Buddhist temples. The statement said that these funds were allocated for construction of sanitary facilities and buildings for the Dhamma schools in temples.

Sangawasas of Buddhist temples were also repaired under this programme. Over 34 temples in the Polonnaruwa district which were affected by the terrorist atrocities are to be developed by the Government under this programme.

Financial assistance would be provided to 410 temples around the country under this programme, the statemend added.