President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Balangoda Sri Dharmananda Vidyayathana Pirivena today (27) and received blessings from Most Ven. Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Maha Nayaka Thera, Chairman of the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha and the Mahanayake of the Rassagala Chapter of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya of Sri Lanka.
During his visit, the President briefed Mahanayake Thero on the economic and financial progress that Sri Lanka is currently achieving and had a brief meeting with Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Maha Nayaka Thera. The President also inquired about the development of the temple.
Additionally, the President handed over a check for Rs.01 million, provided by the Governor’s Office of the Sabaragamuwa Province for the renovation of Sri Dharmananda Vidyayathana Pirivena, to the Maha Nayaka Thera.
During the meeting with Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Maha Nayaka Thera President Ranil Wickremesinghe further elaborated;
“At present, Theravada Buddhism is in high demand all over the world. We have planned to establish a centre for the study of Theravada Buddhism in Anuradhapura. This centre will provide an opportunity for both local and international enthusiasts to study Theravada Buddhism.
An institute dedicated to studying Buddhist religious teachings has been established in California, USA, which has allowed for further exploration of Mahayana Buddhism. We should also create a similar Buddhist education centre here.
The issues related to the discipline of Buddhist monks should be resolved by the respective nikaya themselves. The committee of the nikaya has the authority to address these matters. Decisions regarding the discipline of monks involved in teaching can be made by the concerned denomination. Catholic Priests in schools controlled by the Bishop’s House do not have the opportunity to engage in trade union activities.
The respect for the teaching profession is being diminished due to the actions of teachers’ unions these days. A teacher who is hit by tear gas and breaks barriers cannot serve as a role model for children. In the future, there will be no room for engaging in trade union activities during school hours. Efforts are being made to secure children’s education by implementing emergency law if necessary.
Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Province Navin Dissanayake, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka, MP Akila Ellawala, and others attended the event.
