Colombo: Sri Lanka President Mahinda
Rajapaksa has ordered formulation of a procedure to prevent
distortion of Buddhist scripts and granted financial help to
Daham Paasals, the religious schools in the country.
Rajapaksa instructed officials after discussion with the
members of working committee of the All Ceylon Sasanarakshaka
Balamandalaya here yesterday.
The Bhikkhus stressed the need to formulate a system to
stop the distortion of Buddhist scripts and publication of the
distorted books and literature.
Buddhist Sinhalese comprise over 70 per cent of Sri
Lanka`s 20 million population and the clergy enjoys a prime
position in society of the island nation. Political leaders
traditionally seek blessings and advice of Buddhist priests.
The working committee expressed their thanks to the
President as the Cabinet has approved appointing Daham Paasal
teachers to teach Buddhism in Government schools.
Rajapaksa also paid attention to the need of new building
for Daham Paasalas and other facilities. He also instructed
officials to provide financial allocations for this,
state-owned Daily News reported today.
The prelates also stressed the importance of including
history in school curriculum, it said.
Sri Lanka Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene, Secretary
to the President Lalith Weeratunge and several Buddhist monks
were also present on the occasion.
PTI
