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.