Small is beautiful led to country's down fall - minister

The Maha Sangha have always come forward to save and protect the country during crisis situations, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said.

He was addressing a meeting at the Sri Gangarama Viharaya, Pitabeddara to mark the handing over of the act of appointment bearing the Dharmakeerthi Sri Pannananda Honorary title to Ven Hewowita Indaratana Thera who was appointed the Chief Sanghanayake Thera of Matara Palatha by the Malwatte Chapter of the Shyamoplai Maha Nikaya.

Minister Abyewardena said certain programmes launched with catch phrases like 'small is beautiful' during a certain period led to the country's down fall.

"This had made it difficult to find children to be ordained as samanera bhikkhus for the perpetration of the Buddhasasana at a time when a healthy and dedicated child generation was needed for the country to move forward in development and progress," he said.

The minister said various parties come forward in different guises to destroy our nation.

"Some others try to betray the country for the sake of personal gain. People should be vigilant and act with caution to prevent the destruction of the country, nation and religion by these sinister forces," he said.

Abyewardena said the deterioration of certain institutions would lead to social deterioration.

"When we look at the manner certain guardians of the law behaved in society, we should be thankful that the country had been able to survive from total destruction," the minister said.

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody was also present.