Temples face closure

M.A.R. Manukulasooriya - Hiriyala group corr

A large number of temples situated in the North Western Province face threat of closure due to the lack of residential Buddhist monks.

In a recent survey conducted by the Buddhist Affairs Ministry, it was revealed that the number of Buddhist monks giving up robes has increased rapidly during the past five years. Nearly 2500 Buddhist monks have left the order in the period 2007-2011.

The number of Buddhist monks registered with the Buddhist Affairs Ministry in the period 1993-2011 is 42,803 novices and 10,538 who obtained higher ordination.

The number of temples registered with the Ministry upto 2010 is 9654.

According to the temples' chief incumbents in the Hiriyale area, the main reasons for monks giving up robes are conflicts arising between brother monks, seeking of jobs due to family problems and disappointment.