World's Buddhists should protect Buddhism - minister

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Buddhism is not a religion. It is a vision. The Maha Sangha protects Buddhism and passes it down from generation to generation. If there is no Sangha Buddhism will never remain in the world for 2600 years, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.

Minister Rajitha Senaratne receiving the Sri Janaranjana honorary title from Ven Malegoda Nanda Nayake Thera

"Buddhists throughout the world should assist to protect Buddhism," he added.

Minister Senaratne was addressing a special felicitation ceremony organised by the public in the Beruwala electorate to mark Minister Senaratne's birthday recently. The Dharmapala Foundation of the Sri Pushparamaya conferred the honorary title Sri Janaranjana to Minister Senarathne at this ceremony.

"I have discussed with the Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Ministry to grant Rs.100,000 to each temple in the Beruwala electorate. The temples will receive the funds from next year," the minister said.

The minister distributed donations to low-income families in the Beruwala electorate at the ceremony.

Betara Walallawita Korale Chief Incumbent Sri Pushparama Viharadhipathi Malegoda Nanda Nayake Thera, Colombo National Hospital acting Director Dr. Sujatha Senaratne, Provincial Council Members Piyal Nishantha, Ranjith Somawansha and Beruwala Mayor Milfar Kafoor also participated.