COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Buddhashasana states that a programme to grant insurance covers to the Bhikkhus is to begin on the 26th of this month. The insurance cover is titled the “Budhu Puth Suraksha.”

Minister Gamini Jayawickrama noted that 2000 Bhikkhus will be insured under the first phase. However, the Bhikkhus who obtain a salary from the government or belongs to a Pirivena are not entitled to this benefit.

The Minister added that a survey revealed that there are 40,500 bhikkhus islandwide.

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