Sangha played historic role during war - Defence Secy

Mahinda P Liyanage Galle correspondent

It has been the historic and absolute right and obligation of Buddhist monks to defend and protect the country, nation and the religion whenever threatened by internal or external forces, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said.

“Our monks’ mission is to restore Buddhist values and the age old social traditions of the country.

They are engaged in a righteous mission to ensure a virtuous society. It is our duty to support that noble cause,” the Defence Secretary said. He was speaking at the inauguration of Methseva, a Buddhist cultural centre established at Pilana, Galle under a project launched by the Little Smile Association on Saturday.

The Defence Secretary was participating in the event on the invitation of Nedimala Buddhist Cultural Centre director Ven Kirama Wimalajothy Nayaka Thera and president L S A Michel J A Kreitmeir.

The Methsevana Cultural Centre Project was established under the sponsorship of Little Smile Association.

“The Maha Sangha has always guided the nation. Since the time of King Dutugemunu, they have taken the leadership in all struggles to protect the country,” the Defence Secretary said.

He said we witnessed the Maha Sanghas’ guidance and contribution in defeating the 30 year brutal separatist terrorism.

“Without their correct guidance and blessings, we could have not been capable of wiping out terrorism. The Maha Sanghas’ blessings towards our soldiers were a great encouragement to them,” the Defence Secretary said.

“They encouraged War Heroes at all times. Whenever we launched a new operation against the enemy, our monks even came to the battle ground to bless them,” he said.

Nedimala Buddhist Cultural Center director Ven Kirama Wimalajothi Nayake Thera delivered a special anusasana.

Bodhubala Sena General Secretary Ven Galabodaaththe Gnanasara Thera delivered the welcome address while Ven Witharandeniye Nanada thera proposed the vote of thanks. Little Smile Association Michel president J A Kreitmeir also spoke.

A large number of Buddhists led by the Maha Sangha and clergy of other faiths participated.

Among the Maha Sangha present were Ruhunu University Chancellor Agga Maha Panditha Ven Pallaththara Sumanajothi Nayaka Thera, Southern Province Upa-pradhana Sangha Nayake Ven Metarambha Hemarathana Nayake Thera and Galu Korale Sanghanayake Ven Baddegama Devarakkhithe Nayaka Thera.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sumeda G Jayasena, Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody, Southern Provincial Education Minister Chandima Rasputra, Galle district parliamentarian Ramesh Pathirana and a number of regional political and community leaders also participated.