President says duties on behalf of Buddhism and Bhikkhus will be fulfilled

President Maithripala Sirisena stated that the duties and responsibilities towards Buddhism and the Sangha will be fulfilled under the guidance of three Buddhist Nikayas and the Mahasangha.

Much work has been done on behalf of these noble objectives and more will be conducted, said the President.

President Sirisena stated this after offering the citation of appointment to Matale Dhamma Kusala Thero, who was appointed as the Anunayake of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on Thursday (17 May).

This position was offered to Matale Dhamm Kusala Thero, a skilled and erudite monk who has accomplished a great deal of service to Buddhism and the community.

The President, addressing the objective of the event, further stated that the present Government is ready to work towards making a better society.

President Sirisena, who appreciated the service provided by Matale Dhamm Kusala Thero, who is an expert in Disciplinary Code and an expert in Buddhist discipline to the Buddha Sasana and society, stated that he is an exemplary character to the new generation as well as the Bhikkhu Sasana.

The President offered the Vijinipatha (traditional fan) to the Thero.

An edition of “Kusumanjali, the Matale Athipujya Matale Kusaladhamma Thero” was offered to President Sirisena by its editor, Ruhuna University Senior Lecturer of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies Taldena Ariyawimala Thero. 

Head of the Ramanna Nikaya Napana Premasiri Nayaka Thero, Malwatta Maha Vihare Deputy Secretary Dimbukumbure Sri Saranankara Wimadhamma Thero, Maha Nayaka of Sri Lanka Amarapura Nikaya Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thero, the Mahasangha, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and Ministers were present at this event.