News

Increase of Buddhist monks giving up their robes

Conflicts in temples, seeking greener pastures and family problems cited as some reasons
By Chandani Kirinde

The number of Buddhist monks who are giving up their robes has increased rapidly during the past five years with nearly 2,500 leaving the Orders between 2007 and 2011, a census has revealed.

The census which began in 2007, of monks who have left the priesthood, has shown that in 2007, 73 had left but the number has increased steadily going up to 516 in 2008, 728 in 2009 and 940 in 2010. Within the first three months of 2011, 230 had given up their robes.

Among the reasons listed for the exodus include giving up the order after graduation, due to conflicts arising among brethren monks, to seek foreign employment, to join the armed forces during the war period, due to a father’s addiction to liquor, death of a father and economic difficulties, to care for an elderly spouse left behind at time of ordination, lack of a permanent temple for residence and uncertainty about their future.

The number of Buddhist monks in the country who are registered with the Department of Buddhist Affairs between 1993 and 2011 stands at 42,803 novices with 16,538 monks having received higher ordination (upasampada).

These details were revealed in response to a question posed by UNP Kurunegala District MP Gamini Jayawickrema Perera to Prime Minister D.M.Jayaratna who is also the Minister of Buddha Sasana.
It was also revealed that between 2005 and 2010, the Departments had 9,654 temples registered with it.
The Government has put in place several programmes to help under-privileged temples with monies being allocated according to recommendations of the relevant Divisional Secretariats. A subsistence amount is paid to monks in selected temples that face severe economic difficulties in the North and East and other areas.

The monthly subsistence paid to temples range from Rs. 300 where there is one monk, Rs. 450 for two monks, Rs. 600 for three monks, Rs. 800 for four monks and Rs.1000 per month if there are five resident monks. Temples that need assistance that have six resident monks are given Rs. 1,200 monthly, Rs.1,300 if there are seven monks, Rs. 1,350 for eight monks and Rs.1500 if the number is nine or more.

The UNP MP had requested that at least Rs. 5,000 be paid to temples that are facing economic hardships, particularly in rural areas.

Top to the page  |  E-mail  |  views[1]
SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend
 
Other News Articles
Support for economy from foreign remittances wanes
Economic crisis hitting poor and middle classes, small businessmen and farmers
JVP dissident leader, woman activist abducted, says party
Indian MPs’ visit to strengthen relations
Abbas special guest for New Year
Strong protest by India; Gandhi statue being rebuilt
Call to nab overstaying Indians and other illegal visitors
Dengue cases increase despite eradication efforts
SriLankan cancels decision to cancel flights to 3 destinations
Increase of Buddhist monks giving up their robes
Local job seekers promised merchant vessels but duped into working on fishing boats
Sri Lankan becomes Citigroup’s top lawyer
Met Dept. warns of lightning as thunderstorms loom
Easter messages highlight love, understanding and charity
Soaring cost of living makes dent in Avurudu shopping spree
Security beefed up at National Museum; burglars still at large
Two cases a day: Treasure-hunters on the rampage
600-ton offshore oil spill any time
My land taken over for flood retention now being filled: Woman farmer
Explain vehicle tax increase - JVP to Govt.
A Cottage industry facing extinction
Menik Farm camp badly damaged by gale-force winds
Yala jeep driver caught with jumbo placenta
New Rs. 30 stamp first issued and sold abroad

 

 
Reproduction of articles permitted when used without any alterations to contents and a link to the source page.
© Copyright 1996 - 2012 | Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.Colombo. Sri Lanka. All Rights Reserved | Site best viewed in IE ver 8.0 @ 1024 x 768 resolution