Protecting the Buddhasasana - Minister Jayawickrema

Colombo (News 1st) - The Buddhist literary festival was held at BMICH yesterday (September 14) in the presence of the Minister of Buddhasasana, Gamini Jayawickrema. Minister of Higher Education and Cultural Affairs Mr. Wijedasa Rajapaksa and the Maha Sangha were present at this occasion. The new book "Opportunity for Panadura" was presented by Mr. Jagath Sumathipala. The most optimum Buddhist literary works of the year were awarded. The Chief Incumbent of the Asgiri Maha Viharaya, Ven. Warakagoda Nyanarathana stated that it should be questioned whether Buddhism should be protected from its own monks. According to the most Ven. Warakagoda thero, it is the monks who betray the religion. Ven. Warakagoda thero stated that the most educated of monks work against the religion and if any other monks voice it, they would be blaggarded and isolated. Minister of Buddhasasana, Gamini Jayawickrama stated that the dharma Tripitaka has been destroyed in different ways. He noted that the disappointing nature in this is that all the educated individuals involved in the matter hold in different views. As politicians and as laymen he stated that they do not make decisions which are disapproved in Tripitaka or Buddhasasana. He noted that the Ministry is ready to take action for what ever the decision made by the Buddhist monks to prevent misdoings under their purview.