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Code of conduct for Maha Sangha to be tabled in House: Premier
Prime Minister and Minister of Buddhist Afairs Mr. D.M. Jayaratne speaking at the opening of a Dharma Salawa at Hurikaduwa Menikhinna declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the Sangha ‘Kathikawatha’ (a bill on the conduct for the Maha Sangha) was being tabled in Parliament to prevent defaming as well as maintaining the dignity of the Maha Sangha.
The premier added certain groups of persons who had donned robes –Cheevadari- “were bringing disrepute to the entire body of the Maha Sangha”.
He charged that anyone could don robes and certain sections among them were misusing the name of the Maha Sangha and bringing it into disrepute. He said it was this reason which led to the tabling of the ‘Sangha Katikawaka’ in Parliament.
He added the ‘Kathikawatha’ had the backing of President Rajapaksa, the Mahanayakes and the Maha Sangha.The Dharma Salawa was constructed at a cost of twelve hundred lakhs of rupees in memory of “Thelipahae Sri Seelawansma Anunayake Thera of the Ramanya Nikaya.
The ceremonies were conducted under the Chairmanship of the Mahanayake Thera of Ramanya Nikaya Venerable Napane Premasiri Thera.of Hurikaduwa.
Media minister Keheliya Rambukwella thanked the President for having donated the Dharma Salawa to the Mahanayake Thera of Ramanya Nikaya, which is a part of a programme to rehabilitate places of worship. The Minister said he was expressing the gratitude of the people of Kundasale as well.
Speaking further the minister said the village temple was the heart of the nation and was the nation’s museum. He added the temple was the hub of education and an art gallery all rolled into one. Therefore the Minister said the village temple had to be safeguarded, given life and protected.The Mahnayake of Ramanya Nikaya the Venerable Napane Premasiri Thera said unity among all sections of the people was paramount and should take precedence irrespective of class creed , religion and cultural ideologies. He added he had read the “Mahinda Chintanaya” and claimed it was the base for all development work in the country. He called on the people to unite as it was the aim of the president.
Among those present at the ceremony were: Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Mayor of Kandy Mahendra Ratwatte, Parliamentarian Lohan Ratwatte, Provincial Councillo’s Anuradha Jayaratne, Sunil Amaratunge, Gamini Wijebandara and a number of politicians.