Lanka protected Buddhism in its pristine purity – PM

Dewahuwa Group Corr and Matale District Group correspondent

There are many countries without any knowledge of Buddhism. The government’s attention has been drawn towards propagating Buddhism in those countries and arrangements for this purpose are now being made through the respective embassies abroad,’ said Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne. The Prime Minister disclosed this addressing the eighth sessions of the World Youth Buddhist Sangha Sabha held at the T. B. Tennakoon Memorial Conference Hall, Galewela on Thursday. Bhikkhu delegates from several countries attended the sessions.

Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne

Prime Minister Jayaratne said it is an honour to Sri Lanka to see delegates from 40 countries attending these sessions.

The governments attention has been drawn towards inviting representatives from 75 Buddhist countries for a special programme to be held on Vesak Poya Day next year.

He said Buddhism is now nearly extinct in Buddha’s country of birth. But Sri Lanka had been able to protect Buddhism in its pristine purity for more than 2,500 years. The Maha Sangha had a big role to play in imparting Buddhism to the future generation.

He boasts Sri Lanka of a rich culture based on Buddhism. The Maha Sangha had played a leading and thankful role in this context.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa had successfully ended a 30 year war and liberated the country and its people from terrorism. Now the people have the opportunity to observe their religion and participate in religious activities freely.

Nearly 5.1 million people participated in sil campaigns to mark the 2,600th Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi. This was almost one fourth of the total population of Sri Lanka. It was owing to the peaceful situation in the country that such a large crowd could participate in religious activities at a given time without any fear.

Secretary World Youth Buddhist Sangha Sabha Ven Mugunuwela Anuruddha Thera, Naga Viharadhipati Ven Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera and several others also spoke.