No decision should be taken outside the Constitution: Maha Sangha

• Country should learn to be courageous during a disaster
• Measures to celebrate Vesak using electronic media
• Govt. requested to assist to develop unutilised lands belonging to temples
• Maha Sangha says President will be remembered as a leader who saved the country twice
• President invites Maha Sangha for a meeting on third Friday of every month

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa enlightened the Maha Sangha on the measures taken by the Government to control the spread of COVID-19 and their progress during a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat on Friday.

The President explained about the control of the spread, quarantine process, relief granted to people and future measures to revive the national economy.

The support rendered by every segment of the society including health, security and the entire State mechanism in the face of current challenges is enormous, the President said.

The President stressing on the necessity of a strong Parliament to fulfil the aspirations of the people bestowed on him with the landslide victory said that there were no constitutional powers to reconvene the old Parliament but to convene a new one.

The President said that he expected to meet the Maha Sangha regularly on the third Friday of every month and expressed his anticipation of blessings and guidance of Maha Sangha as he stated in front of the Ruwanweli Seya and during the assumption of office.

Nayaka Theros of all three Chapters said that they approved of the conduct of the President and the Government.

Stating that the country should not be put in jeopardy by reconvening the old Parliament the Maha Sangha unanimously agreed with the decision not to convene the dissolved Legislature.

Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thero said the previous Parliament should take responsibility for the current financial crisis in the country.

Ven. Thrikunamale Ananda Thero, the Maha Nayaka of the Amarapura Sri Dharmarakshitha Chapter, said that when looking at the initiatives taken by the President to prevent the spread of coronavirus as well as for the future, it was clear that a new vision was being implemented in the country.

Ven. Prof. Medagoda Abayathissa Thero was of the view that the measures implemented by the President to prevent the spread of the coronavirus could be an example for other countries in the world. 

The young generation of the country and other various groups have invented many new products, he said. “This is a golden opportunity for a better future,” the Thero further said. He also said that the Maha Sangha of the country would always support the steps being taken by the President.

Ven. Prof. Indugare Dhammarathana Thero presented a set of proposals comprising 12 points to make the Motherland secure.

Ven. Dr. Diviyagala Yasassi Thero and Ven. Prof. TubulleSeelakkanada Thero pointed out the importance of creating an environment to celebrate the Vesak festival using electronic media while remaining at home. It was decided to appoint a committee in this regard. 

The Maha Nayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven. Wendaruwe Upali Thero said that the steps taken by the President to feed the hungry including the beggars were commendable.  

The Maha Nayaka Theros and Anu Nayaka Theros representing the Tri-Nikayas and Maha Sangha participated in this meeting.