Propagate Buddha's teachings abroad - Prime Minister

S M Wijayaratne- Kurunegala Daily News Corr

"President Mahinda Rajapaksa was able to defeat LTTE terrorism which plagued our motherland for three decades because of the blessings of the Triple Gem and Maha Sangha. Many young Bhikkhus today are more concerned over acquiring book knowledge than protecting the monkhood and the Buddha Sasana. Good and dedicated Buddhist monks are needed to protect and propagate the Buddhasasana in its purest form in our motherland.

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne handing over a memento to Galmuruwa Sri Sunandarama Piriven Viharaya Viharadhipathi Ven Devahandiye Saddhananda Nayake Thera, in appreciation of his 25 years’ service to the Sasana. Earlier, the Prime Minister opened a new Buddha Mandiraya replete with an Athpavura and Wahalkada at the Viharaya to mark the occasion. Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne and Kurunegala District UNP Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara were also present on the occasion. Picture by Arachchikattuwa Group Corr

"We should do everything possible to look after the Maha Sangha as our religion, nation, moral conduct and civilization have existed in our country for over 25 centuries, because of these erudite and virtuous members of the Buddhist clergy," said Prime Minister D M Jayaratne.

The Prime Minister was speaking at a large gathering at the Galmuruwa Sri Sunandaramaya Pirivena in the Puttalam district.

The Prime Minister further said the concept of 'village, tank and the Pagoda' (Wewai Dagebai) must be re-introduced to our country for a re-awakening of our nation.

"We must always work together to uplift this country in all spheres. Measures are now being taken to provide novice monks with different language skills to propagate the Buddha's teachings throughout the world.

"It is our paramount duty to look after the Buddhist clergy as if they are our own children," the PM said.

The Prime Minister declared open the newly-constructed Buddhist shrine (Vihara Mandiraya) and Wahalkada at the Buddhist temple and its Pirivena.

Malwatte Chapter Anunanayake Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri, Ven Narampanawe Ananda Nayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter and Ven Kahatawila Piyaratana Nayaka Thera delivered Anusasanas.

Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne, Kurunegala district Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekera, Chilaw PS Chairman Jude Nishantha and Madampe Divisional Secretary Sunanda Herath also participated.