18 May 2024 12:00 am Views - 127
By Kanchana Kumara
The National Vesak Festival programme commenced yesterday in Matale with more than100 Thai Buddhist Monks making their way on foot from Dambulla to Matale yesterday morning. The government had decided to hold the national Vesak festival in Matale this year.
Addressing the ceremony Lekhadhikari of the World Young Men’s Buddhist Association and All Ceylon Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandala Ven. Mugunuwela Anuruddha Thera said the survival of Buddha Sasana depended on the Mahasangha and the devotees of the temples in rural areas and that the Mahasangha of the three Chapters should join hands to save Buddhism in the country from the present threats facing it with their concerted effort.
Ven. Thera pointed out that the attempt to distort established history of Buddhism by spreading a dogma that the Buddha had been born in Sri Lanka which is absolutely unfounded is just one example of the conspiracy now being hatched to destroy Buddha Sasana. He stressed that the Mahasangha of the three Chapters should focus attention on this impending danger and take steps to prevent it.
The Mahasangha including President of Dambulla Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandala Ven. Halmillewe Pemarathana Thera and the Thai Buddhist monks who assembled in front of the Buddha statue in the heart of Dambulla town set off on their journey on foot to Matale after performing religious observances.
State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and several senior officials were present at the occasion.