President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided to bring the Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University and the Buddhashravaka Bhiksu University under the purview of the Education Ministry on the request of the Maha Sangha.
The President also paid attention to the possibility of placing these two Universities under the University Grants Commission.
The President instructed officials to monitor their activities in a proper manner under the supervision of the State Minister while safeguarding their identities.
This decision was taken by the President during the fifth meeting of the Buddhist Advisory Council held at the Presidential Secretariat on Friday afternoon, the President’s media division said.
The President said he will present the action taken by the Government and their progress pertaining to the proposals and advice given by Maha Sangha at four previous meetings at the next session. Pointing out that advice of the Buddhist Advisory Council have been used while formulating the structure of the State Ministries President said he expects the Maha Sangha to continue to guide the Government in policy preparations. He further said Dhamma Schools, Bhikku Education, Privenas and Buddhist Universities were brought under the direct supervision of a single State Ministry for their advancement.
Maha Sangha commended the President for his efforts to address the issues pertaining to Piriven education and endeavours to improve Dhamma school education by implementing a systematic procedure and regulation.
Anunayake of the Malwatta Chapter, Most Ven.Vijithasiri Nayaka Thera stated that the approach used to institute officers that of the Opposition Leader in the parliament was exemplary.The Thera added that the people were repulsed by how the predecessors made appointments to the same offices.
Anunayake of the Asgiriya Chapter, Most Ven.Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Thera noted that the decision to minimize ministries will assist in saving taxpayers’ hard-earned money.
Additionally, Mithirigala Aranya Senasanadhipathi, Ven. Udairiyagama Dhammajeewa Thera mentioned the importance of “virtuous mind” (Yahapath Sitha) in life and highlighted the significance of introducing it to the classroom.
Ven.Prof. Induragare Dhammarathana Thera highlighted the requirement of initiating an insurance scheme resembling the Agrahara Insurance plan for Bhikku teachers, their parents, and siblings in their times of need, when they are hospitalised.
Most Ven. Diviyagaha Yasassi Nayaka Thera pointed out the importance of introducing a procedure to give marks for Certificates of Dhamma School Final Examination and the Dharmacharya Examination when applying for government jobs. Most Ven. Prof. Kotapitiye Rahula Thera suggested that a discussion on Bhikkhu Education and Buddhist Education or a Sangayana on Theravada Buddhism is needed.
The Maha Sangha representing the Buddhist Advisory Council, officials including Principal Advisor to President, Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Prof. Kapila Perera, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Prof. Kapila Gunawardena andBuddhist Affairs Commissioner GeneralSunanda Kariyapperuma participated in this meeting.
