A simple dana please, says minister

Most bhikkhus have diabetes, high blood pressure :

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has ordered health officials to educate the public on dana offered to bhikkhus as it has been found that over 90 percent of bhikkhus have Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Most of them pass away due to heart attacks, Minister Sirisena said.

He said most dayakayas offer dana to bhikkhus with excessive sugar, oil, salt and flour.

“Such ingredients make the bhikkhus sick. According to Buddhist tradition, bhikkhus must eat whatever meals offered by devotees,” the minister said.

Minister Sirisena pointed out the food offered to bhikkhus in rural areas is worse than in urban areas.

“Such food contain more sugar, oil, salt and flour. These facts were discovered by associating bhikkhus continuously for a certain period and studying their day to day lifestyle,” the minister said. The Nutrition Units of the Health Ministry and the Medical Research Institute will make arrangements to educate the public on healthy food that should be offered in the dana to the bhikkhus, the minister added.