President affirms commitment to religious and national progress

Saturday, 19 July 2025 00:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Pledges to take necessary action for advancement of national, religious and social development

President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Thursday pledged firm action in advancing national, religious and social development, whilst emphasising the importance of guidance from the Maha Sangha in governance.

He made these remarks during a discussion held at the President’s House in Kandy with the Anunayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters and other senior members of the Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha.

The discussion focused on pressing religious and national matters, including the need to amend outdated laws such as the Budhhist Temporalities Ordinance and address issues in monastic education, the President’s Media Division noted in a statement.

Disanayake assured that he will never hesitate to take necessary action for the advancement of national, religious and social development.

The Maha Sangha drew the President’s attention to the need for timely amendments to various acts such as the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance in order to address challenges facing the religious sector, as well as to issues concerning the education of monks.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of the Government initiating a structured plan to identify present challenges and to safeguard religious values and cultural heritage. The establishment of a Buddha Sasana Task Force Advisory Council was proposed to facilitate dialogue on the role of the state in religious affairs and promote religious advancement.

In response, the President instructed the relevant authorities to expedite the formulation of the necessary legal provisions to address the existing challenges and issues in the religious sector, the PMD added.

Representing the Malwatu Chapter, Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Anunayake Thero, Ven. Dr. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Nayake Thero, Ven. Rambukwelle Sri Nandarama Nayake Thero, Ven. Doranegama Sri Rathnapala Nayake Thero, Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Medhankara Nayake Thero, Ven. Welagedara Sri Sumanajothi Nayake Thero, and Ven. Mahawela Sri Rathanapala Nayake Thero were present at the discussions while representing the Asgiri Chapter, Ven. Vedaruwe Upali Anunayake Thero, Ven. Anamaduwe Sri Dhammadassi Anunayake Thero, Ven. Dr. Urulewatte Sri Dhammarakkhita Nayake Thero, Ven. Godagama Sri Mangala Nayake Thero, Dr. Ven. Medagama Sri Dhammananda Thero, Ven. Narampanawe Sri Ananda Nayake Thero, Ven. Muruddeniye Sri Dhammarathana Nayake Thero and Ven. Ketakumbure Sri Dhammarama Nayake Thero were present.

Also in attendance were Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi and Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.

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